abba h School Lesson Quarter
1972
First Quarter
Adult nivic.en Nn 7107 Firct Quarter 1972
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
2.
The Experience of Worship
3.
Creating the Atmosphere of Worship
4.
The House of Worship
5.
The Place of Music in Worship
6.
Music in the Christian Church
7.
The Place of Prayer in Worship
8.
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
9.
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
10.
The Effects of True Worship
11.
Learning to Worship
12.
The Lord's Supper—The Crowning Service of Worship
13.
Worship in Eternity
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 307, January-March, 1972. 35 cents a sing]
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Copyright 1971 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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The Blessing of Daily Study
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mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not
comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in
the lesson."—Counsels
on Sabbath School
Work, page 53.
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(signed)
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We Worship God
First Quarter, 1972
To worship God is man's greatest privilege. How can we make worship
more effective? These lessons are designed to help the whole church enter
into a richer and more joyful experience of worship and then to go out
and share their joy with others.
When the prophet Isaiah saw "the Lord . . . high and lifted up," he
also saw himself as "undone"—"a man of unclean lips." True worship
uncovers the heavens and makes God real to man; but it also uncovers
the soul of man, making him real to himself. Every service of the church
should lead people into a consciousness of the presence of God. Both the
order and the content of the service are important, but it is the progres-
sion and the appeal of each particular part that inspires true worship.
True worship does not necessarily have to follow a set pattern. In many
cases it is the unusual that arrests the mind and makes man meditate.
When Moses saw the burning bush and saw that it was not being con-
sumed, it attracted his attention; and out of that experience he was led
into his lifework. He heard God's voice in an unusual environment. But
by contrast when Isaiah heard God's call, he was in the very environment
of the temple. That of course was the usual place of worship. But that
usual environment became the occasion of an unusual experience to him
because of his mental attitude. "Our meetings should be . . . pervaded
with the very atmosphere of heaven," is the counsel of the Lord's messenger
(E. G. White,
Review and Herald,
November 30, 1886).
These words written so long ago should have challenged us to give
more attention to the subject of worship. Although worship may take
varied forms, yet for it to be a lasting experience the congregation must
sense three things: (1) the presence of God, (2) a revelation of His
purity and power, and (3) His call to a life of dedication and service
Each of these lessons deals with a different aspect of the nature,
pur-
pose, and methods of true worship. We are not trying to lay down a defi-
nite form of worship, but to suggest ways of making the worship more
meaningful. Ponder these inspired words: "The evil of formal worship
cannot be too strongly depicted, but no words can properly set forth the
deep blessedness of genuine
worship."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 143.
"There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results
of communion with God."—Ibid., Vol. 6, p. 47.
Worship can move on the level of public or private manifestation. The
worship of God includes the province of salvation and grace and the con-
sequent submission of one's will, returning gratitude and praise to God for
His love and mercy.
4
LESSON 1
December 26 to January 1
THE ADVENT MESSAGE, A CALL TO WORSHIP 1
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and
in truth." John 4:24.
Early Christian Worship
No perfectly detailed picture exists of the
outward or liturgical forms of earliest
Christian worship. The clearest indications
are found in such scriptures as Acts 2:42,
46; 5:42 and 1 Corinthians, especially chap-
ter 14 and 11:20. Putting such passages
together with all the New Testament greet-
ings, doxologies, and references in Reve-
lation, we get a fairly clear picture of what
the earliest Christian worship services were
like.
The Gospel of John is valuable in this
connection because it shows the historical
life and teachings of Jesus, the incarnate
Logos
(Word) as the center of all early
Christian thought and worship. There was
reverence, godly fear, and vitality in all
Christian worship.
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul shows that the
building up of the Christian community,
"the body of Christ," was the great aim
of Christian life and service.
The Nature of Our Worship Today
"Our meetings should be made intensely
interesting. They should be pervaded with
the very atmosphere of heaven. Let there
be no long, dry speeches and formal
prayers merely for the sake of occupying
the time. All should be ready to act their
part with promptness, and when their duty
is done, the meeting should be closed. Thus
the interest will be kept up to the last. This
is offering to God acceptable worship."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 609.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Last-day Call to Worship
Rev. 14:6, 7
2.
A Warning Against False
Worship
Rev. 18:2, 4
3.
Worship in Reverence and
Humility
Isa. 57:15
4.
Worship in Spirit and Truth
John 4:23
5.
God's Greatness Inspires
Worship
Ps. 99:1, 9
6.
True Worship Inspires Service
Luke 9:37
5
0 Sunday
December
26
Part 1
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
LAST-DAY CALL having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
TO WORSHIP dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred,
and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear
God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judg-
ment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and
Rev. 14:6, 7 earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
The Bible is a Book of worship. From the first chapter of
Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation God is revealed as the
One whom we should revere, adore, and worship. "God's claim
to reverence and worship . . . is based upon the fact that He
is the Creator, and that to Him all other beings owe their exis-
tence.
Thus it is presented in the
Bible."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 336.
How does the prophet Jeremiah contrast the living
God with the gods of the heathen? Jer. 10:10-12, 14-16.
True worship is the most dynamic and creative experience
possible to man. It embraces the whole personality of man—his
thoughts, his emotions, his will, and his strength.
How did the psalmist express his joy in worship?
Ps. 103:1.
"God calls upon His people to arise and come out of the
chilling, frosty atmosphere in which they have been living, to
shake off the impressions and ideas that have frozen up the
impulses of love and held them in selfish inactivity. He bids
them come up from their low, earthly level and breathe in the
clear, sunny atmosphere of
heaven."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p.
607.
THINK IT THROUGH
If God places value on our worship, should not I
seek to make it more real in my own experience?
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
"Unless correct ideas of true worship
and true reverence are impressed upon
the people, there will be a growing
tendency to place the sacred and eter-
nal on a level with common things, and
those professing the truth will be an
offense to God and a disgrace to re-
ligion. They can never,
with their un-
cultivated
ideas, appreciate a pure and
holy heaven, and be prepared to join
with
the worshipers in the heavenly
courts above, where all is purity and
perfection, where every being has per-
fect reverence for God and His holi-
ness."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 5, p. 500.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 311, 355, 450, 453, 611.
6
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
December 27
Part 2
A WARNING
AGAINST FALSE
WORSHIP
Rev. 18:2, 4
"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying,
Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the
habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,
and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,
Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers
of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
Those who proclaim God's last gospel message to the world
must know and interpret the great chronological prophecies of
Daniel and Revelation. It is important to convince men that
"the hour of God's judgment is come," yet that is but prelimi-
nary. They must also be led to heed God's call to separate from
every form of idolatry and self-worship.
What warning did Isaiah give to the captives in Baby-
lon? Isa. 52:10, 11.
What warning did Paul send to the Corinthian be-
lievers? 2 Cor. 6:17.
It is the Christian's duty to perfect holiness in the fear
of God. 2 Cor. 7:1.
"The apostle's words of warning to the Corinthian church
are applicable to all time and are especially adapted to our
day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but
self-serving, love of ease, and gratification of appetite and
passion. A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowl-
edge of the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion
that seeks only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or
that sanctions self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 317.
How did the psalmist relate to false ways of worship?
Ps. 119:126, 128.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I learned to hate every false way? Or do I find
some wrong things attractive?
"The church, soon to enter upon her
most severe conflict, will be the object
most dear to God upon earth. The con-
federacy of evil will be stirred with
power from beneath, and Satan will
cast all the reproach possible upon the
chosen ones whom he cannot deceive
and delude with his satanic inventions
and falsehoods."—"Testimonies to Min-
isters," page 20.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 277; "The Great Controversy," page
603.
7
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
Part 4
WORSHIP IN
SPIRIT AND
TRUTH
John 4:23
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
December
29
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true wor-
shipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:
for the Father seeketh such to worship Him."
When the Lord Jesus spoke these words to the woman at
the well, it revealed the interest God the Father has in
our
worship. He not only accepts our worship but is actually seek-
ing sincere worshipers. While the Samaritans were a religious
people, yet of these Jesus said: "Ye worship ye know not
what." Verse 22.
The word "worship" occurs more than one hundred times
in Scriptures, but sometimes •it refers to something far removed
from the true worship •of God. For example, God says: "They
worship the work of their own hands, that which their own
fingers have made." Isa. 2:8.
This would naturally include images of wood, stone,
and
metal. Might it not include other things such as our homes,
our businesses, our education, our dress, our social concerns,
and our money? All too often (these become objects of worship.
How did our Lord reply to the tempter who tried to
lure Him into false worship? Matt. 4:10.
The Lord's counsel to us is very clear on this point. We
read: "How much means are spent for things that are mere
idols, things that engross the thoughts and affections?"—Evan-
gelism, page 344. "Expel from the soul-temple everything that
assumes the form of an
idol."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 53.
How does John describe those who accept and obey
the three angels' messages? Rev. 14:12.
Am I more concerned with the place of worship or
even the day of worship than I am about the spirit of
worship?
"Although God dwells not in temples
made with hands, yet He honors with
His presence the assemblies of His
people. He has promised that when
they come together to seek Him, to
acknowledge their sins, and to pray
for one another, He will meet with
them by His Spirit. But those who as-
semble to worship Him should put
away every evil thing. Unless they
worship Him in spirit and truth and
in the beauty of holiness, their coming
together will be of no avail."—"Proph-
eis and Kings," page 50.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Evangelism," page 377; "The Desire of Ages," page
189;
"Counsels to Teachers," page 259.
9
2—AQt 1 —72
Part 5
GOD'S GREATNESS
INSPIRES
WORSHIP
Ps. 99:1, 9
Thursday
December 30
"The
Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth
between the cherubims; let. the earth be moved."
"Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill;
for the Lord our God is holy."
Worship is inspired by a sense of a power outside of and
beyond the control of man. It had its beginning in human
experience when the Creator communed face to face with man
in Eden. Gen. 3:8. That intimate converse was broken by
man's sin, but God invites us still to commune with Him, the
high and holy God. Our knowledge of Him as Creator and
Upholder of the universe inspires awe. And the more we know
of God and His majesty, the greater and more intelligent will
be our praise. No previous generation has had more reason to
praise God than ours. Our expanding knowledge of the universe
should lead us to honor the One who made heaven and earth.
How does the psalmist express his adoration of God,
and what does he say of man? Ps. 8:3-6.
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
THINK IT THROUGH
Worship is the response of the creature to the Eternal, not
only here on earth but also in heaven. The twenty-four elders
and the four "living creatures" (NEB) continued to voice
their praise to God as they fell down before Him in adoration.
John describes the scene, telling how they worship "Him that
liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne,
saying, Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor
and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy
pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:10, 11.
Does a sense of the greatness and the holiness of God
inspire me to bow in adoration of the Infinite?
"The duty to worship God is based
upon the fact that He is the Creator and
that to Him all other beings owe their
existence. And wherever, in the Bible,
His claim to reverence and worship,
above the gods of the heathen, is pre-
sented, there is cited the evidence of
His creative power. . . .
"In Revelation 14, men are called
upon to worship the Creator; and the
prophecy brings to
view
a class that,
as the result of the threefold message,
are keeping the commandments of
God."—"The Great Controversy," pages
436, 437.
The greatest service we can render c.
child or an adult is to help him sense
the presence of God.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 336.
10
The Advent Message, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
Part 6
TRUE WORSHIP
INSPIRES
SERVICE
Luke 9:37
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Friday
December 31
"And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they
were come down from the hill, much people met Him."
Jesus had taken three disciples up the mountain to pray,
and they had witnessed the spectacular transfiguration, eclipsed
only by His resurrection. They had heard the voice of God
saying: "This is My beloved Son: hear Him."
Peter was so moved that he suggested that they build three
tabernacles and stay there. But there was work to do in the
valley. A multitude was awaiting the warmth and comfort i3f
the Saviour's love and compassion.
While activity is not worship, yet true worship naturally
leads to activity. There is ever the tendency •for us to let our
service for God actually take the place of our worship of God.
"As activity increases and men become successful in doing
any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans
and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less
faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our
dependence on God, and seeking to make a savior of our ac-
tivity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is
His power which does the work."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
362.
Anything we permit to take the place of Christ in our lives
is in reality the spirit of antichrist.
In view of God's activities in the earth, what is man
called upon to do? Ps. 46:10.
Why would God not hear the prayers of Israel? What
were they to do before offering their worship? Isa.
1:15-17.
There is a great work to be done, but there is also a
great God to be worshiped. Is it possible that the work
of the Lord is keeping us from the Lord of the work?
"Religion must begin with
emptying
and purifying the heart, and must be
nurtured by_dgily_prayer.
"The steady progress of our work,
and our increased facilities, are filling
the hearts and minds of many of our
people with satisfaction and pride,
which we fear will take the place of
the love of God in the soul. Busy ac-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 426-431.
11
tivity in the mechanical part of even
the work of God may so occupy the
mind that prayer shall be neglected,
and self-importance and self-sufficiency,
so ready to urge their way, shall take
the place of true goodness, meekness,
and lowliness of heart."—"Testimo-
riles," Vol. 4, p. 535.
The Advent Messsage, a Call to Worship
LESSON 1
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Multiple choice: The message of the first angel of Revelation 14 is called:
(a) new; (b) rediscovered;
(c)
everlasting
2.
Multiple choice: Are God's people all: (a) in the SDA Church;
(b)
in
"Babylon";
(c)
in the world?
3.
Complete: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of
a
and
spirit, to revive the spirit of the
and to revive the heart of the
ones."
4.
Mention a text from this lesson showing that a true spirit and obedient
service go together.
5.
Complete: "Worship at His
hill; for the Lord our God is
6.
What danger exists when
service for God
takes the place of the
worship
of God?
•
spoq;aw pue sueid uetunxi
2u9snix (g) !Atoll `Ajog (c)
•
nag (t) :axpluoo `apituntl `alquintx 'axi.nuoa (c) :aalq; lie uc auxos (c) !2uusepana (i) :saoansuy
12
LESSON 2
January
2
to
8
THE EXPERIENCE OF WORSHIP
"And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and
thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." Isa. 6:7.
The Majesty of God and the
Humility of Man
"Isaiah had denounced the sin of others;
but now he sees himself exposed to the
same condemnation he had pronounced
upon them. He had been satisfied with a
cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of
God. . . . How little now appeared his
wisdom and talents as he looked upon the
sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary.
How unworthy he was! how unfitted for
sacred service!"—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4,
p. 1139.
The same element of unworthiness can
be seen in the cases of Moses, Habakkuk,
and all the great saints called to worship
and serve God. It comes to all true wor-
shipers who see the King in all His glory.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Place of Response in Worship
Isa. 6:11*
2.
Place of Prayer in Worship
Hab. 3:2
3.
Reverence for the Holy
Ex. 3:4, 5
4.
Reality in Worship
Ps. 63:1-4
5.
Praise in Worship
Heb. 13:15, 16, RSV
6.
Forgiveness and Worship
Ps. 51:2
13
The Experience of Worship
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
January
2
Part 1
"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I
PLACE OF send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I;
RESPONSE send me."
IN WORSHIP
Isa. 6:8
-
s
-
li."7
-
cssyria. was threatening to invade the land, and king
the call to service. He lived in a time of great international
It was while in the atmosphere of worship that Isaiah heard
Uzziah, sometimes called Azariah, who had ruled Judah for
forty years, was dying of leprosy. He had been a good king,
but success had made him proud. When he came to the temple
to worship, he even disdained the services of the priests. He
would offer his own incense. Eighty priests resisted him. Then
all at once leprosy was seen to break out upon him, and he
fled from the sacred building never to return; thus came the
sad and tragic end of an otherwise great leader. But when the
king, in whom the people's hope was centered, collapsed, God
gave the young prophet a vision of another King—the Ruler
of eternity.
Study carefully every feature of Isa. 6:1-5.
As Isaiah beheld this heavenly scene, how did it
affect him? Isa. 6:5.
"As Isaiah beheld this revelation of the glory and majesty
of his Lord, he was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity
and holiness of God. How sharp the contrast between the
matchless perfection of his Creator, and the sinful course of
those who, with himself, had long been numbered among the
chosen people of Israel and Judah
!"—Prophets and Kings,
page 307.
Having the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing,
what did the prophet then hear? And what was his re-
sponse? Isa. 6:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I meet with God's people
for
worship, has my
mind been closed to all the traffic of everyday interests?
These important features must not
be overlooked:
a.
The worship service should create
the atmosphere for worshipers to expe-
rience the presence of God.
b.
All roads to the soul must
be
cleared of the traffic of everyday in-
terests.
c.
The worshipers must be helped to
see by faith "the Lord . . . high and
lifted up."
d.
They must be helped to discover
personal need of cleansing.
e.
Experiencing the joy of forgive-
ness, the worshipers are then prepared
to hear God's call to service.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Prophets and Kings, " pages 303-309.
14
The Experience of Worship
LESSON 2
Part 2
PLACE OF
PRAYER
INWORSHIP
Hab. 3:2
El Monday
January 3
"0 Lord, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid:
0 Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the
midst of the years make known; in wrath remember
mercy."
Witnessing the awful inroads of wickedness, the prophet
Habakkuk wondered why God permitted things to get so
apparently out of hand. "Why dost Thou show me iniquity ?"
he said. And why is it that "wrong judgment proceedeth"?
What did God say to this concerned prophet? Hab.
1:5, 6.
What was the description of the Chaldeans? Verses
6-11.
How did Habakkuk reply? Verses 12, 13.
Where did he go when he sought an answer to his
questions? Hab. 2:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I worship, do I listen for the voice of God to my
soul?
"Those that expect to hear from considerations proper to clear this mat-
God must withdraw from the world, ter; we must stand upon our watch
and get above it, must raise their at-
against the temptation, that it may not
tention, fix their thought, study the
get ground upon us, must set ourselves
Scriptures, consult experiences and the upon the tower, to see if we can
experienced, continue instant in prayer,
discover that which will silence the
and thus set themselves upon the temptation and solve the objected diffi-
tower. . . . When we are tossed and culties. . . . When we have been at
perplexed with doubts concerning the prayer, pouring out our complaints and
methods of Providence, are tempted to requests before God, we must carefully
think that it is fate, or fortune, and not observe what answers God gives by
a wise God, that governs the world, or His Word, His Spirit, and His provi-
that the church is abandoned, and dences, to our humble representations."
God's covenant with His people can-
—Matthew Henry's "Commentary," on
celed and laid aside, then we must Hab. 2:1.
take pains to furnish ourselves with
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," pages 384-389.
15
The Experience of
Worship
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
January 4
Part 3
"And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see,
REVERENCE FOR God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and
THE HOLY said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And He
said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off
thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy
Ex. 3:4, 5 ground."
Moses stands out as unique. He was a brilliant scholar, a
literary genius, an army general, and a philosopher. He had
already made the greatest decision of his life, having renounced
the crown of Egypt. But he was ill-prepared for his great work
until in the atmosphere of quiet meditation in the desert he
heard the voice of God. As a scientist he` vinas gripped by the
phenomenon of the burning bush. While there he became aware
of the divine Presence.
What was Moses' attitude when God spoke to him?
Ex. 3:6, last part.
Forty years earlier he felt confident in his own ability to
deliver Israel. He was eager for the task. Now he begs to be
excused. His self-sufficiency has disappeared. Only •as we hum-
ble ourselves before God can we be used. True worship always
begets true humility.
What further discovery did Moses make? Ex. 4:6, 7.
What was in the hand of Moses when God appointed
him his work? Ex. 4:2.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I ready for whatever disclosure of self God has
for me?
"Shut in by the bulwarks of the
mountains, Moses was alone with God.
The magnificent temples of Egypt no
longer impressed his mind with their
superstition and falsehood. In the sol-
emn grandeur of the everlasting hills
he beheld the majesty of the Most
High, and in contrast realized how
powerless and insignificant were the
gods of Egypt. Everywhere the Crea-
tor's name was written. Moses seemed
to stand in His presence and to be
overshadowed by His power. Here his
pride and self-sufficiency were swept
away. In the stern simplicity of his
wilderness life, the results of the ease
and luxury of Egypt disappeared.
Moses became patient, reverent, and
humble, 'very meek, above all the men
which were upon the face of the earth'
(Numbers 12:3), yet strong in faith in
the mighty God of Jacob."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," pages 250, 251.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 212, 508.
16
The Experience of
Worship
LESSON 2
D
Wednesday
January 5
Part 4
"0 God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my
REALITY IN soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a
WORSHIP dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy
power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanc-
tuary. Because Thy loving-kindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while
Ps. 63:1-4
I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name."
While we worship God, He is actually seeking us more than
we are seeking Him. The ability to commune. with God is life's
highest attainment. Someone has gid7Worship is as simple
as daylight, sensible as reason itself." That may be true, but
to experience this we should recognize a few vital principles.
First, that God is our Father, and it is natural that we, His
children, should feel free to come to where He is. Second, that
worship is simply focusing Godward. Third, that we must
train ourselves to listen not only to the minister, but to God.
How does Paul describe the change that is wrought
in the human heart? 2 Cor. 3:18.
"Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every
one God has predestinated to be 'conformed to the image of
His Son.' Rom. 8:29. In every one Christ's long-suffering love,
His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested
to the world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 827.
True love for our fellowman grows out of our personal rela-
tionship to God who "hath made of one blood all nations of
men to dwell on all the face of the earth." Acts 17:26. In wor-
ship we meet as the family of God where "there is neither
male nor female, bond nor free."
What does the Lord require of His children? Micah 6:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are there barriers in my life that hinder God's revela-
tion to me?
"Rest yourself wholly in the hands
of Jesus. Contemplate His great love,
and while you meditate upon His self-
denial, His infinite sacrifice made in
our behalf in order that we should be-
lieve in Him, your heart will be filled
with holy joy, calm peace, and inde-
scribable love. As we talk of Jesus, as
we call upon Him in pray
-
sr, our con-
fidence that He is our personal, loving
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Education," page 164.
17
3-AQt1-72
Saviour will strengthen and His char-
acter will appear more and more
lovely.... We have the assurance that
when He who is our life shall appear,
then shall we also appear with Him
in glory. With strong confidence, we
can call God our Father."—Ellen G.
White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen-
tary," Vol. 3, pp. 1147, 1148.
Part 5
PRAISE IN
WORSHIP
Heb. 13:15, 16,
RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Thursday
January
6
"Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacri-
fice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowl-
edge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share
what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Christianity is not essentially a meditative religion. Neither
is it a ritualistic religion. It is an intensely practical religion.
The ancient Hebrews' religion by contrast was definitely ritual-
istic and included many different sacrifices. And in addition to
these there was in the courtyard of the tabernacle, and later at
the temple at Jerusalem, the "continual burnt offering" which
pointed forward to the coming Redeemer.
"Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was
burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus
symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah."
—Patriarchs and\Prophets,
page 352.
The apostle Paul wrote: "By Him let us offer up the sacri-
fice of praise to God continually." Then immediately following
this was his instruction: "Do not neglect to do_good and to
share what you have." Ai Christians we have very much to
share. Not only the truth concerning our Lord's sacrifice and
the "blessed hope" of His soon return, but also a life of joyful
service to others. When worship is genuine it always carries
over into the home, the office, the farm, the workshop, the
classroom, the playground.
What did the Master say He had come to do? Luke
4:18.
Helping those wounded by sin and setting at liberty those
bound by wrong habits is one of the outcomes of worship.
To have attended a worship service and then leave the meet-
ing in a spirit of criticism or impatience is evidence that one
had not truly worshiped. Good works always follow good wor-
ship. The better our worshp, the better our service to God and
our fellowmen.
Does my life indicate that I have truly worshiped?
Am I different in my home, my work, my recreation?
The Experience of Worship
LESSON 2
should seek so to relate ourselves to
God that our faces may reflect the sun-
shine of His love! When our own souls
are vivified by the Holy Spirit, we shall
exert an uplifting influence upon others
who know not the joy of Christ's pres-
ence."—Ellen G. White Comments, "SDA
Bible Commentary," Vol. 3, p. 1148.
"Praise God More.
Would it
not be
well to cultivate gratitude, and to offer
grateful songs of thanksgiving to God?
As Christians we ought to praise God
more than we do. We ought to bring
more of the brightness of His love into
our lives. As by faith we look to Jesus
His joy and peace are reflected from
the countenances. How earnestly we
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," page 184.
18
The Experience of Worship
LESSON 2
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Multiple choice:
(a)
A man works for God and then gets God's call;
(b)
a man worships God in spirit and truth and then hears God's call to service.
2.
Multiple choice: Is the prevalence of wickedness evidence of:
(a)
God's
failure to act in time? (b) the triumph of evil over good? (c) the unhurried,
unfailing, but inevitable plan of God for evil to demonstrate itself before final
judgment)
3.
How was Moses' native ability and self-confidence used by Cod?
4.
Complete: "Christ is sitting for His
in every disciple. . . . In
Christ's long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness,
mercy, and truth are to be
to the world."
5.
What should be the result of true worship)
6.
If worship is to be effective in bringing man into God's presence, how
should man feel as he approaches God)
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(9) !palsamuetu 'Quo
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20
LESSON 3
CREATING THE ATMOSPHERE OF WORSHIP
3
"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for
joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful
in Thee." Ps. 5:11.
Joy in the Spirit
True spiritual joy is a "fruit o
•
f the
Spirit." Gal. 5:22. This joy pervades every
department of life, and it includes God's
Word, His worship, and His service. "For
we are the circumcisionr'whiEW worship
God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ
Jesus." Phil. 3:3.
Reverence in the Church
"Teach them [children] to have the
highest reverence for the house of God and
to understand that when they enter the
Lord's house it should be with hearts that
are softened and subdued by such thoughts
as these: 'God is here; this is His house.
I must have pure thoughts and the holiest
motives. . . . This is the place where God
meets with and blesses His people. The
high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity
looks upon me, searches my heart, and
reads the most secret thoughts and acts of
my
life.' "—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 494.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Joyfulness in Worship
Ps. 96:9-13
2.
Reverence and Response in
Worship
Ps. 99:1, 2, 5
3.
Humility, a Prerequisite to
Worship
James 4:8, 10
4.
Learning to Wait on God
Isa. 30:18
5.
Right Mental Attitudes to
Worship
Eccl. 5:1, 2
6.
The Healing Virtue of Silence
Isa. 30:15; Ps. 46:10
21
Creating the Atmosphere of Worship
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
January 11
Part 3
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."
HUMILITY, A
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He
PREREQUISITE shall lift you up."
James 4:8, 10
TO WORSHIP
feeling that inspires it will be
deepened."—Prophets and Kings,
"As reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the
page 49.
How only can we serve God acceptably? Heb. 12:28,
last part.
Irreverence during worship is not usually the result of a
defiant spirit of wickedness; it is more often the result of a
lack of understanding. Should we not, as individuals and as a
congregation, develop a spirit of reverence and godly under-
standing?
When one has true understanding, what does it be-
come to him? Prov. 9:10; 16:22.
"The success or failure of a worship service may be mea-
sured by three questions: First, is it a sincere outreach toward
God and an act of real self-dedication on the part of the leader
and the worshipers? Second, does it hold attention and com-
mand respect and participation by the congregation? Third,
has it inherent qualities of beauty, dignity and artistry which
will appeal to all in proportion to their ability to judge and
appreciate?"—A. W. Palmer,
The Art of Conducting Public
Worship,
pages 4-7.
What characteristics are prominent in the heavenly
sanctuary? Ps. 96:6.
THINK IT THROUGH
When visitors come to our services, what impressions
do they take away with them? Do I do my part in creat-
ing a spirit of reverence?
"It is God's will that all parts of His
service shall be managed in an or-
derly, becoming manner, which will
impress those strangers who may at-
tend, as well as the regular attendants,
with the elevated, ennobling character
of the truth and its power to cleanse
the heart.
"In His providence God impresses
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol.
24
people to attend our ... services. Some
come from curiosity, others to criticize
or ridicule. Often they are convicted
of sin. The word spoken in the spirit
of love makes a lasting impression on
them. How carefully, then, should
these meetings be conducted."—"Evan-
gelism," pages 207, 208.
4, p. 245; Vol. 5, p. 163.
Creating the Atmosphere of Worship
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
January
12
Part 4
"And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be
LEARNING TO gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that
WAIT ON GOD He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of
Isa. 30:18
judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him."
If the Creator of the universe is waiting to be gracious to
His people, should not we be willing and eager to wait for Him
that we may be renewed mentally, physically and especially
spiritually ?
THINK IT THROUGH
What promise is given to those who wait on God?
Isa. 64:4.
Marginal readings and modern translations give the idea that
no one has ever heard of or seen "a God besides Thee, who
works for those who wait for Him." RSV.
Under what circumstances did the Lord communicate
with Elijah? 1 Kings 19:12, last part.
What convulsions of nature had preceded this expe-
rience? Verses 11, 12.
"He desired to teach Elijah that it is not always the work
that makes the greatest demonstration that is most successful
in accomplishing His purpose. While Elijah waited for the
revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled, the lightnings flashed,
and a devouring fire swept by; but God was not in all this.
Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet covered
his head before the presence of the Lord. His petulance was
silenced, his spirit softened and subdued. He now knew that
a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever find for
him a present help in time of
need."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 168, 169.
Am I learning to wait on God? Am I prepared to hear
the still small voice?
"Nothing else in this world is so dear
to God as His church. He will work
with mighty power through humble,
faithful men. Christ is saying to you
todny: 'I am with you, cooperating with
your faithful, trusting efforts, and giv-
ing you precious victories. I will
strengthen you as you sanctify your-
selves to My service. I will give you
success in your efforts to arouse souls
dead in trespasses and sins.' "—"Tes-
timonies," Vol. 7, pp. 242, 243.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 495.
4—AQt1-72
25
Creating the Atmosphere of Worship
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
January 13
Part 5
"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God,
RIGHT MENTAL and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of
ATTITUDES TO fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash
WORSHIP with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter
anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou
Eccl. 5:1,2 upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
"To the humble, believing soul, the house of •God on earth
is the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the prayer, the words
spoken by Christ's representatives, are God's appointed agencies
to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier wor-
ship into which there can enter nothing that defileth."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 5, p.1491.
According to the wise man, with what attitude should
worshipers approach the house of God? Eccl. 5:1, 2.
Worship is essentially an attitude of the mind and heart. We
must do more than merely attend a place of worship and be
content to g•o through the motions as a ritual—singing, repeat-
ing the Bible, and saying •prayers. These important and essen-
tial acts of worship can be performed in such a way as actually
to destroy the spirit of worship. To attempt to worship while
in an attitude of carelessness or indifference is an insult to God.
In his prayer at the dedication of the temple, how did
Solomon extol the majesty and greatness of God? 1 Kings
8:27.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my attitude as I enter the place of worship?
In his book "Creative Worship," page
63, Dwight Bradley says: "'Atmo-
sphere' is the invisible, intangible, and
yet
completely surrounding environ-
ment •in which our physical organisms
live. We are unconscious of it except
when it becomes either rarefied or
heavy. It is, indeed, the 'breath of life';
and is almost the only element essen-
tial to our physical existence for the
enjoyment of which the expenditure of
conscious effort is not necessary. The
atmosphere is to land-dwelling crea-
tures what water is to the sea-dwellers.
In it, physically speaking, 'we live and
move and have our being.'
"Applying the term, therefore, to
our spiritual life, we are led to under-
stand that 'atmosphere' must be some
completely surrounding element with-
out which we cannot live, and by
means of which our spiritual nature is
nourished. It is a pervasive 'some-
thing' of which, spiritually, we are un-
conscious except when it is lacking
or when it is unwholesomely over-
weighted."
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 491, 498.
26
Creating the Atmosphere of Worship
LESSON 3
❑
Friday
January 14
Part 6
"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel;
THE HEALING In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and
VIRTUE OF in confidence shall be your strength."
SILENCE
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Isa. 30:15; Ps. 46:10
To this admonition from God's Word let us add a brief
statement from the spirit of prophecy.
"When the worshipers enter
the
place of meeting, they
should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 492.
THINK IT THROUGH
What does it mean that our places of worship should
be "pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven"?
How can we help to create worship "atmosphere"?
Through what means does God offer salvation and
strength? Isa. 30:15.
It will help us if we remember that the dedicated church
building is God's house. We go there not so much to meet our
friends as to meet Him.
"When every other voice is hushed, when every earthly
interest is turned aside, the silence of the soul makes more
distinct the voice of God. Here rest is found in Him. The peace,
the joy, the life of the soul, is
God."—Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education,
page 441.
How did God through His prophet describe the spir-
itual condition of ancient Israel? Isa. 29:13.
When I come to the worship service, have I prepared
my heart to commune with God? Do I set the right ex-
ample by my demeanor?
Nothing can mean so much to the lence. That is why God says, "Be still,
child of God, mentally, spiritually, or and know that I am God." Let us try
physically, as that which results from
to build worship atmosphere through:
real worship, when the soul is laid
(1) silence,
(2)
appropriate music, (3)
bare before the all-seeing eye of the reflective prayer, and (4) removal of
Almighty. To help the congregation,
all irrelevancies.
individually and collectively, to enter
"As reverence is manifested in atti-
into such an experience is the privilege tude and demeanor, the feeling that
and responsibility of those who are
inspires it will be deepened."—"Proph-
called to lead out in the worship ser-
ets and Kings," page 49.
vices. There is a healing virtue in si-
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 282, 516.
27
Answers: (1) godly fear, rejoicing, praise, thanksgiving; (2) Holy Spirit, quietness and atmosphere
of heaven; (3) to God, draw nigh to, humble, sight of the Lord, lift you up; (4) False; (5) When
finite man is humble before the infinite God, God's house is as the gate of heaven; (6) b.
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The House of Worship
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
January 16
Part 1
"Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell
THE SANCTUARY among them."
IN THE
"Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-
WILDERNESS hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and under-
standing to know how to work all manner of work for
the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the
Ex. 25:8; 36:1 Lord had commanded."
This sanctuary, later known as the "house of the Lord,"
was not to shut God away from His people, but to permit
Him to dwell in their midst.
"The house is the sanctuary for the family, and the closet
or the grove the most retired place for individual worship; but
the church is the sanctuary for the congregation."—Testimo-
nies,
Vol. 5, p. 491.
When Israel was about to enter Canaan, what did
Moses say they should do concerning the idols in the
land? Deut. 12:1-3.
Because God chose to identify Himself with His habi-
tation, what was to be the attitude of His people?
Verse 5.
THINK IT THROUGH
While it is true that the heaven of the heavens cannot con-
tain God, it is also true that He loves to dwell with His peo-
ple. Consequently He gave the clearest instruction for the
building of a •place He called His "habitation."
With the advent of Christianity, worship in the temple lost
its significance. Now, instead of having one central temple,
worshipers have thousands of church buildings dedicated to
God's honor.
Do I help the members of our congregation to rever-
ence God's house?
"From the sacredness which was
attached to the earthly sanctuary,
Christians may learn how they should
regard the place where the Lord meets
with His people."—"Testimonies," Vol.
5, p. 491.
"To the humble, believing soul, the
house of God on earth is the gate of
heaven. The song of praise, the prayer,
the words spoken by Christ's repre-
sentatives, are God's appointed agen-
cies to prepare a •people for the church
above, for that loftier worship into
which there can enter nothing that de-
fileth."—"Ibid."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Great Controversy," pages
411, 413;
"Prophets
and
Kings," page 62.
30
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
January 17
Part 2
"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our
PRIVATE HOMES brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, . . . and
AND SYNAGOGUES Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy
Philemon 1, 2 house."
Special buildings for Christian worship were unknown dur-
ing apostolic times. Not until the latter •part of the second
century is there any record of church •buildings.
Where did Aquila and Priscilla conduct their worship?
1 Cor. 16:9; Rom. 16:3-5.
In apostolic times services of worship were often conducted
in the homes of certain members. The architecture of the Mid-
dle East of that day permitted many people to congregate in
the homes of the more well-to-do in the community. Large
rooms opening off a central patio made it possible for sizable
groups to gather together. Many congregations were thus ac-
commodated during the first century of Christian history.
Where else did the congregations of that time meet?
Acts 17:1, 2; 13:14; 14:1.
What interesting custom was followed by the rabbis
when important visitors attended the meeting? Acts
13:14-16.
THINK IT THROUGH
Christian worship, growing as it did out of both the temple
and the synagogue patterns of Hebrew worship, naturally re-
tained certain basic principles. While the two divisions of the
temple—"the holy" and "the most holy"—passed out of exis-
tence when the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, yet in the
synagogues around the world the place where the scroll of the
prophets is kept still corresponds to the "most holy" place of
the temple. In the Christian church the pulpit and especially
the table on which we celebrate the Lord's Supper are par-
ticularly sacred. This is a principle we do well to recognize.
Do we feel a kinship with the apostolic church and
the Christians of all the centuries as we fellowship to-
gether?
"Happy are those who have a sanc-
tuary, be it high or low, in the city or
among the rugged mountain caves, in
the lowly cabin or in the wilderness. If
it is the best they can secure for the
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol.
Master, He will hallow the place with
His presence, and it will be holy unto
the Lord of hosts."—"Testimonies," Vol.
5, pp. 491, 492.
5, p. 496; "Evangelism," page 133.
31
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
El
Tuesday
January 18
Part 3
"How lovely is Thy dwelling place, 0 Lord of hosts!"
MAKING GOD'S
"Blessed are those who dwell in Thy house, ever sing-
HOUSE ing Thy praise!"
ATTRACTIVE
Ps. 84:1, 4, RSV
of the spiritual awareness and forms of worship of those who
Everything about the church building should be expressive
meet there.
"Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the wor-
ship of God, should be treated with carelessness or indiffer-
ence."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 491.
What was the psalmist's deepest desire? Ps. 27:4.
How did Jacob consecrate the stone he had used for
a pillow and set it up for a pillar? Gen. 28:18.
What name did he give to the place? Verse 17.
THINK IT THROUGH
("El" is one of the names of God, and "beth" means house.
Beth-el therefore means the "house of God." Verse 19).
God's house does not have to be a Gothic structure, but it
should be made appropriate and attractive. The Pilgrim Fath-
ers spoke of the church building as a "meetinghouse," and the
Quakers still use the same term today. It is that, because it
is where God meets with His people and they meet one an-
other. But there is danger that it will degenerate into a social
center and the spirit of true worship be lost.
"It should not be made a place to meet old friends and
visit and introduce common thoughts and worldly business
transactions."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 494.
Is our church a real "Bethel"—a place where we meet
God?
"We all lose much sweet communion
with God by our restlessneFs7
-
bi" not
encouraging moments of reflection and
prayer. The spiritual condition needs
to be often reviewed and the mind and
heart drawn toward the Sun of Righ-
teousness. If when the people come
into the house of worship, they have
genuine reverence for the Lord and
bear in mind that they are in His pres-
ence, there will be a sweet eloquence
in silence. The whispering and laugh-
ing and talking which might be with-
out sin in a common business place
should find no sanction in the house
where God is worshiped. The mind
should be prepared to hear the Word
of God, that it may have due weight
and suitably impress the heart."—"Testi-
monies," Vol. 5, p. 492.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 350, 375, 752, 753.
32
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
January
19
Part 4
REVERENCE IN
GOD'S HOUSE
Lev. 19:10;
Heb. 12:28
"Reverence My sanctuary."
'_'Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God ac-
ceptably with reverence and godly fear."
"When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they
should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats.. . .
Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be
permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the
service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worship-
ers."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 492.
How did Moses react to God's self-disclosure? Ex. 3:6.
What should be our attitude as we enter God's house?
2 Cor. 10:5.
THINK IT THROUGH
"I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must
have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or decep-
tion in my heart, for I am coming into the presence of the
holy God. This is the place where God meets with and blesses
His people. The high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity
looks upon me, searches my heart, and reads the most secret
thoughts and acts of my
life."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 494.
When I attend the house of worship, do I help others
to realize that we are there to meet the high and holy
God?
"It is too true that reverence for the
house of God has become almost ex-
tinct. Sacred things and places are not
discerned; the holy and exalted are
not appreciated. . . . God gave rules
of order, perfect and exact, to His
ancient people. Has His character
changed? Is He not the great and
mighty God who rules in the heaven
of heavens? Would it not be well for
us often to read the directions given
by God Himself to the Hebrews, that
we who have the light of the glorious
truth shining upon us many imitate
their reverence for the house of God?
We have abundant reason to maintain
a fervent, devoted spirit in the wor-
ship of God. We have reason even to
be more thoughtful and reverential in
our worship than had the Jews. But an
enemy has been at work to destroy
our faith in the sacredness of Christian
worship."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp.
495, 496.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Messages to Young People," page 265; "My Life Today,"
page 286.
33
5 —AQt1 —72
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
❑
Thursday
January
20
Part 5
"Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Go
BUILDING A up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house;
HOUSE FOR GOD and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,
Hag. 1:7, 8 saith the Lord."
"Wherever a company of believers is raised up, a house of
worship should be built. Let not the workers leave the place
without accomplishing
this."—Evangelism,
page 376.
What question did God put to His people at the time
they were called to rebuild the temple? Hag. 1:3, 4.
" 'But,' some say, 'if the Lord is so soon to come, why do
you urge our builders to put the best material into the build-
ings they erect ?' Would we dare to dedicate to God a house
made of cheap material, and put together so faultily as to be
almost lifted from its foundation when struck by a strong
wind? We should be ashamed to put worthless material into
a building for the Lord."—/bid., p. 378.
When Moses was about to build the sanctuary in the
wilderness, what was God's command? Ex. 25:2, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first
requisites •in preparing a dwelling place for the Most High."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 343.
"All who love the worship of God and prize the blessing of
His sacred presence will manifest the same spirit of sacrifice
in preparing a house where He may meet with them. They
will desire to bring to the Lord an offering of the very best
that they possess."—/bid., p. 344.
Is our house of worship such as God would approve?
Would He take pleasure in meeting there with us?
"Those who build a house for God
should manifest as much greater inter-
est, care, and taste in its arrangement
as the object for which it is prepared
is higher and more holy than that for
which common dwelling houses are pre-
pared."—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 257.
"The house where God is worshiped
should be in accordance with His char-
acter and majesty. There are small
churches that ever will be small be-
cause they place their own interests
above the interests of God's cause.
While they have large, convenient
houses for themselves, and are con-
stantly improving their premises, they
are content to have a most unsuitable
place for the worship of God, where
His holy presence is to dwell."—"Ibid.,"
Vol. 5, pp. 268, 269.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 575.
34
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
❑
Friday
January 21
Part 6
"And it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to
WHEN GOD'S make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanks-
GLORY FILLS giving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with
THE HOUSE trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in
praise to the Lord, 'For He is good, for His steadfast love
endures forever,' the house, the house of the Lord, was
filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand
2 Chron. 5:13, 14, to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the
RSV
Lord filled the house of God."
The Lord took possession of His temple, enveloping it in a
cloud of glory at the moment when, with one consent, the
singers were voicing their praise for His everlasting goodness
and mercy. And He is as surely present with a few humble
worshipers in an obscure corner as with tens of thousands
assembled in His name.
At the time of the dedication of the temple, what was
done unstintingly? 2 Chron. 5:6.
Animal sacrifices, rightly understood, represented the Lamb
of God who, in the fullness of time, was to pay the penalty
of our sins, and not only the sins of good people but the sins
of the whole world. 1 John 2:2.
1).
What was the experience of "the multitude of them
that believed" when the place where they were assem-
bled was shaken? Acts 4:31, 32.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I aware of God's holy presence in my own life?
"Every true turning to the Lord brings
joice in the sense of sins forgiven, in
abiding joy into the life. When a sin-
the love of a pardoning heavenly
ner yields to the influence of the Holy
Father. It is God's glory to encircle sin-
Spirit, he sees his own guilt and de-
ful, repentant human beings in the
filement in contrast with the holiness
arms of His love, to bind up their
of the great Searcher of hearts. He wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and
sees himself condemned as a trans-
to clothe them with the garments of
gressor. But he is not, because of this, salvation."—"Prophets
and
Kings,"
to give way to despair; for his pardon page 668.
has already been secured. He may re-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 38.
35
The House of Worship
LESSON 4
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
If heaven is God's dwelling place, why did He ask His people to build
houses of worship on earth)
2.
Where could the first Christians worship God when they had no church
buildings)
3.
Multiple choice: Should the sanctuary be attractive (a) spiritually,
(b)
physically, or
(c)
both)
4.
Multiple choice: Which of the following are involved in genuine rever-
ence in God's house?
(a)
the mind,
(b)
the heart, (c) the words,
(d)
the
actions, or
(e)
all four
5.
Multiple choice: Should a permanent sanctuary be
(a)
as cheap as pos-
sible,
(b)
the best we can afford,
(c)
as beautiful as we can make it)
6.
True or False: God's acceptance of worship depends on the joyful sin-
cerity rather than the number of worshipers
•
an;L (9)
:3
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(S)
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al!sap sq./ Atouq wain lai
(j) :siannswg
36
LESSON 5
January 23 to
29
THE PLACE OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP
5
"Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and
gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of
the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel." Isa. 30:29.
Music in Ancient Worship
The ancient Hebrews were fond of mu-
sic. It was used in private rejoicing, at
weddings (Isa. 5:12), and in their mourn-
ing (2 Chron. 35:25). When they made
their journeys to Jerusalem three times a
year to the obligatory festivals, they
cheered themselves along the way with
songs of joy, such as Psalms 84; 122;
Isaiah 30:29, and other portions of the
Psalms. These songs have made the book
of Psalms an inexhaustible treasury of in-
spiration for all generations.
Singing as a Part of Worship
"Music should have beauty, pathos, and
power. Let the voices be lifted in songs of
praise and devotion."—Evangelism, page
505.
"Singing is a part of the worship of God,
but in the bungling manner in which it is
often conducted, it is no credit to the truth,
and no honor to
God."—Ibid.,
p. 506.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Music in Antediluvian Times
Job 38:4-7
2.
Music in Ancient Israel
Ex. 15:1,2
3.
Music in the Time of David
1 Chron. 15:16
4.
The Psalms in Worship
Eph. 5:19
5.
Specialized Functions of Music
1 Sam. 10:5,6
6.
Patterns of Worship in
Pre-Christian Times
1 Chron. 25:6
37
The Place of Music in Worship
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
January 23
Part 1
"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the
MUSIC IN ANTE- earth? declare, if thou host understanding. Who hath
DILUVIAN TIMES laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath
stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the founda-
tions thereof fastened? or who laid the cornerstone
thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all
Job 38:4-7 the sons of God shouted for joy?"
While our knowledge of life in antediluvian days is very
limited, yet we do know that music had its place in the culture
of the ancients. We read of Jubal who "was the father of all
such as handled the harp and the organ." Gen. 4:21. Moffatt's
translation reads: "The ancestor of all who play the lyre and
the pipe."
What was the response of the sons of God at the time
this world came from the Creator's hand? Job 38:4-7.
"When the morning stars were singing, and all the angels
chanted in their joy." Moffatt.
What is Adam called in Scripture? Luke 3:38.
One who accepts the Bible story and senses that the ante-
diluvians were greater in stature and intellect than men now
living, finds no difficulty in recognizing that God Himself was
man's first instructor in the art of music.
In view of what God had done, what were men en-
couraged to do? Isa. 12:5.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are we as thankful as we should be for God's re-
vealed Word and the inspired comments of the spirit of
prophecy?
"For nearly a thousand years Adam
lived among men. . . . He had been
commanded to instruct his posterity in
the way of the Lord; and he carefully
treasured what God had revealed to
him, and repeated it to succeeding gen-
erations. To his children and children's
children, to the ninth generation, he
described man's holy and happy estate
in Paradise."—"Patriarchs and Proph-
ets," page 82.
"There perished in the Flood greater
inventions of art and human skill than
the world knows of today. The arts
destroyed were more than the boasted
arts of today."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol.
1, p. 1089.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 217; "The Great Controversy," page
455.
38
The Place of Music in Worship
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
January 24
Part 2
"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song
MUSIC IN unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the
ANCIENT ISRAEL Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and
his rider hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my
strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He
is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my
Ex. 15:1, 2 father's God, and I will exalt Him."
I
>
How does the psalmist describe the passing of God's
ancient people through the Red Sea? Ps. 77:16-20.
THINK IT THROUGH
"As Moses stretched out his rod the waters parted, and
Israel went into the midst of the sea, upon dry ground, while
the waters stood like a wall upon each side. The light from
God's pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows, and
lighted the road that was cut like a •mighty furrow through
the waters of the sea, and was lost •in the obscurity of the
farther
shore."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 287.
What was Israel's high note of praise on this occasion?
Ex. 15:11.
"Their emotion found utterance in songs of praise. The
spirit of God rested upon Moses, and he led the people in a
triumphant anthem of thanksgiving, the earliest and one of the
most sublime that are known to
man."—Ibid.,
p. 288.
Who led the response to that mighty anthem? Ex.
15:20.
The musical ability of Moses and Miriam may better be
understood when we remember that Moses, "learned in all the
wisdom of the Egyptians," had doubtless studied in the school
of music of his day. And among the ancient nations, Egypt was
the foremost in musical development.
Am I preparing to join in the final song of Moses on
the sea of glass?
"Moses was fitted to take preemi- ages. As historian, poet, philosopher,
nence among the great of the earth, general of armies, and legislator, he
. . . His intellectual greatness distin- stands without a peer."—"Patriarchs
guishes him above the great men of all and Prophets," page 246.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 70; "Education," page 162.
39
Part 3
MUSIC IN THE
TIME OF DAVID
1 Chron. 15:16
❑
Tuesday
January 25
"And David spake to the chief of the Levites to ap-
point their brethren to be the singers with instruments
of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding,
by lifting up the voice with joy."
David was the next great national figure after Moses. He
too was a great songwriter. But more, he organized schools of
music. Many of the psalms were written by David, and these
great expressions of praise were sung by the people, led by
priests and Levites. The Hebrews apparently had some form
of music for every important occasion. It was David who led
out in the development of music for their worship. We read,
"Four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments which
I made, said David, to praise therewith." 1 Chron. 23:5.
The Place of Music in Worship
LESSON 5
Under what circumstance was the ark of the covenant
brought back to the sanctuary? 1 Chron. 16:4-36.
"With reverent care the ark was now placed upon the
shoulders of men of divine appointment. . . . The king had
laid aside his royal robes and had attired himself in a plain
linen ephod, such as was worn by the priests. . . . Upon that
day Jehovah was to be . . . the sole object of reverence.
"Again the long train was in motion, and the music of harp
and cornet, trumpet and cymbal, floated heavenward, blended
with the melody of many
voices."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 706, 707.
As King Solomon led in the great dedicatory service
of the temple, what happened in response to the music?
2 Chron.
5:7, 12-14.
The Levite choir was robed—"arrayed in white linen." "The
trumpeters and singers were as one." And God's acceptance of
this worship was evidenced by His filling the temple with "the
glory of the Lord."
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I face my trials with singing?
"Music was made to serve a holy
purpose, to lift the thoughts to that
which is pure, noble, and elevating,
and to awaken in the soul devotion
and gratitude to God. What a contrast
between the ancient custom and the
uses to which music is now too often
devoted! How many employ this gift
to exalt self, instead of using it to glo-
rify God! . . . Music forms a part of
God's worship in the courts above, and
we should endeavor, in our songs of
praise, to approach as nearly as pos-
sible to the harmony of the heavenly
choirs."—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"
page 594.
FOR
FURTHER
STUDY:
"Evangelism," page 501.
40
Part 4
THE PSALMS
IN WORSHIP
Eph. 5:19
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
January 26
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord."
Many of ancient Israel's songs have been preserved in the
book of Psalms, the product of many authors, as well as in
other parts of the Bible. The
,
service of worship, particularly
in the second temple (the temple built after the Jews returned
from Babylon), made praise a leading feature. They called
the Psalms the "Book of Praise." And these were divided into
five books, each book concluding with a benediction. The first
three of these books closed with a repeated "Amen." (See
Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52.) The last two books closed with
the expression "praise the Lord" or "hallelujah." (Ps. 106:48;
150:6). The five books of the Psalms •are: (1) Psalms 1 through
41; (2) Psalms 42 through 72; (3) Psalms 73 through 89;
(4) Psalms 90 through 106; and (5) Psalms 107 through 150.
Psalm 150 is really the doxology to the whole book, which
psalm many believe might well have been the last psalm writ-
ten.
For what reason did the psalmist call upon the nations
to sing? Ps. 67:2, 4.
"The singing should not be done by a few only. All present
should be encouraged to join in the song
service."—Evange-
lism,
page 507. "As often as possible, let the entire congrega-
tion
join."—Ibid.
When King Hezekiah led out in the restoration of the
worship at the temple, what accompanied the burnt
offering at the altar? 2 Chron. 29:27-31.
When I read the psalms, do I realize that these were
the hymns of God's ancient people? Do they speak their
message to my heart?
The Place of Music in Worship
LESSON 5
"The service of song was made a
regular part of religious worship, and
David composed psalms, not only for
the use of the priests in the sanctuary
service, but also to be sung by the
people in their journeys to the national
altar at the annual feasts. The influ-
ence thus exerted was far-reaching,
and it resulted in freeing the nation
from idolatry. Many of the surround-
ing peoples, beholding the prosperity
of Israel, were led to think favorably
of Israel's God, who had done such
great things for His people."—"Patri-
archs and Prophets," page 711.
"How precious are the lessons of this
psalm [147]. We might well devote
study to the last four psalms of David."
—"Fundamentals of Christian Educa-
tion," page 371.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 288, 289.
6—AQt1-72
41
The Place of Music
in Worship
LESSON 5
El Thursday
January
27
Part 5
"After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where
SPECIALIZED
is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass,
FUNCTIONS when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt
OF MUSIC meet a company of prophets coming down from the high
place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a
harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: and the
Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt
prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another
1 Sam. 10:5, 6 man."
Saul, a handsome, attractive man, was "head and shoulders
above all in Israel." He looked like a leader, but something
needed to happen in his life. Samuel had just anointed him
king over Israel; then he made the •prediction of our text.
What came upon Saul when he met the company of
prophets, and with what result? 1 Sam. 10:10, 11.
What experience came to the prophet Elisha when
the minstrel played for him? 2 Kings 3:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Music, properly used, is an effective weapon in the hand
of the church. We must remember, too, that it was the only
weapon used by Jehoshaphat on that memorable day. . . .
Music can confound the enemy before he even starts. It can
be used as an effective weapon to soften up the enemy. It
is to be used to strengthen the minds and hearts of God's
people and prepare them for their Christian warfare. . .
The singing church is the conquering church. The choir and
music forces of the church are to aid in the battle against
sin. Music is not to be merely an auxiliary which can be used
in the various services or omitted from them, depending solely
on personal preference or whims of the moment. It is to lend
support and prepare the way for the teaching of the Word."—
Paul McCommon,
Music in the Bible,
pages 20,
21.
Does praise mean as much to me as it should? If not,
why not?
"From the earliest times the faithful
in Israel had given much care to the
education of the youth. The Lord had
directed that even from babyhood the
children should be taught of His good-
ness and His greatness, especially as
revealed in His law, and shown in the
history of Israel. Song and_p_Layer and
lessons from the Scriptures were to be
aclilipied to the opening mind."—"The
Desire of Ages," page 69.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 344; "The Great Contro-
versy," page 542.
42
Part 6
PATTERNS OF
WORSHIP IN PRE-
CHRISTIAN TIMES
1 Chron. 25:6
THINK IT THROUGH
El Friday
January 28
"All these were under the hands of their father for
song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries,
and harps, for the service of the house of God, according
to the king's order."
Under the leadership of King David music began to have a
very much more prominent part in the worship of the ancient
people of God. While Moses had established the form of wor-
ship in the ancient tabernacle, no particular program had been
outlined for music and singing. But during the reigns of both
David and Solomon choirs and orchestras became a regular
part of the worship program.
"From David's time on, music was used in connection with
the morning and evening sacrifices, with Sabbath worship, and
with the celebration of the new moon and set feasts such as
the New Year and the Day of Atonement.. .
"The music for the dedication of the magnificent temple
must be of matching magnificence. David's preparation for it
was threefold: the composing, collecting, and revising of the
psalms of praise, including the tunes to which they should be
sung; the making of the musical instruments to be used; and
the actual training of players and singers."—Grauman,
Musk
in My Bible,
page 76.
What did David say concerning the house of the Lord
which Solomon was to build? 1 Chron. 22:5.
In what way did David receive the plans for the forth-
coming house of the Lord? 1 Chron. 28:19.
During the next four centuries the music of the temple
worship continued. But with the destruction of the temple by
Nebuchadnezzar their temple worship ceased. Even after the
Jews returned and rebuilt the temple, the worship was never
again so elaborate.
Are our churches just places of meeting, or are they
centers of praise?
The Place of Music in Worship
LESSON 5
"A congregation may be the poor-
est in the land. It may be without the
attraction of any outward show; but
if the members possess the principles
of the character of Christ, they will
have His joy in their souls. Angels will
unite with them in their worship. The
praise and thanksgiving from grateful
hearts will ascend to God as a sweet
oblation."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
page 298.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," page 505; "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 609.
43
titi
Answers: (1) Gen. 4:21; (2) immediately after crossing the Red Sea; (3) psalteries or stringed
instruments like zithers, and harps, cymbals, cornets, tabrets, pipes, and trumpets;
(4)
True; (5)
b, d, e; (6) King David.
e
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LESSON 6
MUSIC IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
6
"I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I
sing praise unto Thee." Heb. 2:12.
Music in Hebrew-Christian Times
"Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs"
were heard in the earliest Christian com-
munities (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), but they
were probably unaccompanied by musical
instruments, especially during times of per-
secution. However, the Jewish temple had
elaborate choirs and orchestral accompani-
ments, and doubtless the converts to Chris-
tianity would soon endeavor to provide
music of some sort in their meetings.
Music in Heaven
"I
have been shown the order, the per-
fect order, of heaven, and have been en-
raptured as I listened to the perfect music
there."—Evangelism,
page 505.
Factors in Effectual Music
"Music can be a great power for good;
yet we do not make the most of this branch
of worship. . . . Call to your aid, if prac-
ticable, instrumental music, and let the
glorious harmony ascend to God, an ac-
ceptable offering."—Ibid.
Singing From the Heart
"The human voice that sings the music
of God from a heart filled with gratitude
and thanksgiving j is far more pleasing to
Him than the melody of all the musical in-
struments ever invented by human hands."
—Ibid.,
p. 506.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Heaven's Message Impressed
by Music
Luke 2:10-14, Phillips
2.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs in
Worship
Eph. 5:18-20
3.
Singing the Gospel With Joy
Ps. 98:3-6
4.
Apostolic Use of the Psalms
Rom. 15:5, 6, 9-11, 13, NEB
5.
Our Singing Must Exalt Christ
1 Tim. 3:16, Moffatt
6.
God's Goodness Inspires Our
Songs
Ps. 96:1-3
45
Music in the Christian Church
LESSON 6
❑
Sunday
January 30
"The angel said to them: 'Do not be afraid! Listen, I
bring you glorious news of great joy which is for all the
people. This very day, in David's town, a Saviour has
been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord. . . . ' And in a
flash there appeared with the angel a vast host of the
armies of heaven, praising God, saying, 'Glory to God
in the highest heaven! Peace upon earth among men of
good will!' "
Part 1
HEAVEN'S
MESSAGE
IMPRESSED
BY MUSIC
Luke 2:10-14, Phillips
t4*
That message of the angel which was accompanied by the
heavenly choir over the hills of Bethlehem will climax when
the redeemed of all ages sing the song of Moses and the Lamb
on the sea of glass. Rev. 15:2, 3.
In what is believed to be the first recorded Christian
hymn, what is particularly evident? Acts 4:24-30.
The words, "Thy Holy Child Jesus," are deeply significant,
for here we see the Old Testament hymns being applied to
Christ Jesus.
When Peter and John were released from prison, they came
to "their own company" and rehearsed what the Lord had
done. Little wonder the whole company broke out into song.
And they related the second psalm definitely to Christ. The
psalms were not merely read or repeated; they were sung. A
few weeks earlier many in that group had joined in the songs
of praise when Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph, for they
recognized a definite fulfillment of prophecy, and they ex-
pressed their feelings in the hymn of praise.
"If there was much more praising the Lord, and far less
doleful recitation of discouragements, many more victories
would be
achieved."—Evangelism,
page 499.
What admonition are we given in James 5:13?
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I realize that the spirit of praise reacts upon my
health?
"Let praise and thanksgiving be
expressed in song. When tempted,
instead of giving utterance to our feel-
ings, let us by faith lift up a song of
thanksgiving to God. . . . Song is a
weapon that we can always use
against discouragement. As we thus
open the heart to the sunlight of the
Saviour's presence, we shall have
health and His blessing."—"The Min-
istry of Healing," page 254.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 153; "The Great Controversy,"
page 314.
46
Music in the Christian Church
LESSON 6
Part 2
HYMNS AND
SPIRITUAL SONGS
IN WORSHIP
Eph. 5:18-20
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Monday
January 31
"Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and mak-
ing melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks al-
ways for all things unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Moffatt renders verse 19: "Converse with one another in the
music of psalms, in hymns, and in songs of the spiritual life,
praise the Lord heartily with words and music." The apostle
Paul was appealing to the church to develop real Christian
fellowship through the use of, hymns and
-
songs. And he fecog-
nized the difference between hyrinis
—
arid
—
songs. Generally
speaking, a hymn is an ascription to God; it may be praise,
prayer, or deep devotion. But a gospel song, on the contrary,
is often addressed to our fellowmen.
What similar instruction did the apostle Paul give to
another church concerning the use of hymns and spiritual
songs? Col. 3:16.
What did our Lord Jesus say will happen when He is
lifted up? John 12:32.
While this refers primarily to His being lifted up on the
cross, we must also lift Him up in our worship. The spirit of
prophecy says, "Do not strike one dolorous note; do not sing
funeral
hymns."—Evangelism,
page 180.
We do not understand this as counsel not to sing hymns at
a funeral service, for hymns can be a great blessing in the time
of sorrow. But "funeral hymns" as used here are those that
fail to exalt the living God, hymns that are gloomy and
sepulchral.
Does our congregation enter heartily into the singing
of the great hymns of the centuries? Do the songs I sing
lift up Jesus?
"Let the science of salvation be the
burden of every sermon, the theme of
every song."—"Gospel Workers," page
160.
"Lift up Jesus, you that teach the
people, lift Him up in sermon, in song,
in prayer. Let all your powers be
directed
pointing souls, confused, be-
wildered, lost, to 'the Lamb of God.'
Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say
to all who hear, Come to Him who
'hath loved us, and hath given Himself
for us.' . . . Reveal the way of peace
to the troubled and the despondent,
and show forth the grace and com-
pleteness of the Saviour."—"Ibid."
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Ministry of Healing," page 246; "My Life Today,"
pages 90, 153.
47
Music in the Christian Church
LESSON 6
Part 4
APOSTOLIC
USE OF THE
PSALMS
Rom. 15:5,6,
9-11,13, NEB
Wednesday
February 2
"And may God, the source of all fortitude and all
encouragement, grant that you may agree with one an-
other after the manner of Christ Jesus, so that with one
mind and one voice you may praise the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"As Scripture says, 'Therefore I will praise Thee among
the Gentiles and sing hymns to Thy name'; . . . 'Gentiles,
make merry together with His own people'; . . . 'All
Gentiles, praise the Lord; let all peoples praise Him.'"
"And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace by your faith in Him, until, by the power of the
Holy Spirit, you overflow with hope."
The place the psalms had in the worship of the early church
is revealed in Paul's letter to the Romans. These hymns be-
come their inspiration as peoples of all nations assembled for
worship. The Hebrew hymnbook forecasted this gathering in
of the Gentiles. The apostle's prayer was that the God of hope
would fill them with all joy and peace and that through the
power of the Holy Spirit their lives would overflow.
What
are
the characteristics of the kingdom of God?
Rom. 14:17.
What was the Lord's objective in giving His final in-
structions in the upper room? John 15:11.
When fleeing from Saul, what did David say he would
do? Ps. 57:7-9.
The spirit of confidence and joy expressed by the early
Christians under trial greatly influenced the unbelieving world.
And in the final test through which God's remnant people
must pass, these psalms of confidence will again be sung.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does my life overflow witIrloy?
"Their voices rise in triumphant
song: 'God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. There-
fore will not we fear, though the earth
be removed, and though the moun-
tains be carried into the midst of the
sea; though the waters thereof roar
and be troubled, though the mountains
shake with the swelling thereof.'
Psalm 46:1-3."—"The Great Contro-
versy," page 639.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 1, p. 324; Vol. 2, p. 319.
7 —AQt 1 —72
49
Music in the Christian Church
LESSON 6
El Thursday
February 3
"And who does not admit how profound is the divine
truth of our religion?—it is He who was 'manifest in the
flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached
among the nations, believed on throughout the world,
taken up to glory.' "
The hymn, Hebrew or Christian, is the child of its age.
Christian hymns centered largely in Christ as Creator and
Redeemer. New hymns and songs appeared because the He-
brew psalms were insufficient to express praise to Christ as
Lord. The "Jehovah of the Jews" was hailed as "the Lord of
all nations" by the Christians. Christians sang the Old Testa-
ment psalms and hymns but also added new hymns and songs
to express their victory in Christ.
Part 5
OUR SINGING MUST
EXALT CHRIST
1 Tim. 3:16, Moffatt
What was Paul's admonition
to those who were "risen
with Christ"? Col. 3:15-17.
Congregational singing practically ceased for a thousand
years, the singing being done only by the monks. This con-
tinued until the beginning of the fifteenth century when John
Huss of Bohemia, a musician as well as a great preacher, wrote
hymns for his people. This was actually one cause of his mar-
tyrdom in 1415. A century later Martin Luther with his en-
lightened colleagues changed the whole pattern of worship in
Europe. His famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,"
based on Psalm 46, became the watchword of the Reforma-
tion.
In remembrance of
God's holiness, what should His
people do? Ps. 30:4.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I appreciate as I should the opportunity of singing
with the congregation?
"Every heavenly intelligence is in-
terested in the assemblies of the saints
who on earth meet to worship God. In
the inner court of heaven they listen
to the testimony of the witnesses for
Christ in the outer court on earth, and
the praise and thanksgiving from the
worshipers below is taken up in the
heavenly anthem, and praise and re-
joicing sound through the heavenly
courts because Christ has not died in
vain for the fallen sons of Adam. While
angels drink from the fountainhead,
the saints on earth drink of the pure
streams flowing from the throne, the
streams that make glad the city of our
God. Oh, that we could all realize the
nearness of heaven to earthr—"Tes-
timonies," Vol. 6, p. 366.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Christ's Object Lessons," page
134;
"The Desire of Ages,"
page 24.
50
Music in the Christian Church
LESSON 6
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
With what was the Christian gospel announced, and with what will it
reach a grand climax>
2.
How can the saints communicate with each other apart from ordinary
conversation>
3.
Multiple choice: Did Jesus introduce into religion
(a)
more sincerity,
(b)
more sadness and gloom, (c) more joy and gladness>
4.
Multiple choice: Since the earliest Christian churches had no hymns of
their own, they
(a)
immediately wrote some, (b) used the psalms and other
portions of the Old Testament in a Christian context while adding new ones
gradually
5.
Multiple choice: Christian hymns and church music in general should
(a)
provide exhibitions of technical skill,
(b)
exalt Jesus Christ and lead
people nearer to God
6.
True or False : The bases on which we are exhorted to sing praises to God
are His moral attributes, and not our personal desires or abilities
(g)
(g)
q
(v)
o
,
e (r) :OZ
`6I:9 'Llda (Z) :amid Jo s2uos
:saantsud
52
LESSON 7
February 6 to 12
THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN WORSHIP
7
"Let us . . . come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16.
Vital Prayer
"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
the Christian's native air." If this is true
in personal life, obviously prayer is vital
in public worship.
Public Prayer
"What is the object of assembling to-
gether? Is it to inform God, to instruct
Him by telling Him all we know in prayer?
We meet together to edify one another
by an interchange of thoughts and feel-
ings, to gather strength, and light, and
courage by becoming acquainted with one
another's hopes and aspirations; and by
our earnest, heartfelt prayers, offered up
in faith, we receive refreshment and vigor
from the Source of our strength."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 2, p. 578.
"A common meeting to worship God is
not the place to open the privacies of the
heart."--/bid.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Privilege of Prayer
Isa. 56:6, 7, RSV
2.
The Nature of Prayer
Heb. 11:6
3.
Congregational Attitude in
Prayer
Ps. 95:6, 7
4.
The Language of Prayer
John 14:13, 14; 16:23, 24
5.
The Content of the Public
Prayer in Worship
1 Tim. 2:1-4
6.
Praying in the Spirit
Eph. 6:18
53
❑
Sunday
February 6
"Everyone who keeps the Sabbath, and does not
profane it, and holds fast My covenant—these I will bring
to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house
of prayer; . . . for My house shall be called a house of
prayer for all peoples."
Prayer is as old •as man, who was created to commune with
his Maker. The Greek word for man,
anthropos,
is said by
some scholars to mean "the being with the upturned face."
Man by nature is religious, and prayer is the natural impulse
of the soul. While different religions approach prayer in dif-
ferent ways, yet all pray. These words by Augustine are sig-
nificant: "Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are
restless till they find their rest in Thee." Prayer is, therefore,
a vital part of worship.
Part 1
THE PRIVILEGE
OF PRAYER
Isa. 56:6, 7, RSV
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
What request did the disciples make of Jesus? Luke
11:1.
"Teach us
to
pray," not
"how
to pray." They had seen and
heard the Master at prayer, and they were reaching out for
the experience He enjoyed with His Father. Christ's answer
is revealing. He did not say, "Well, just ask God for what you
want." Instead He gave them the model prayer which we call
the Lord's Prayer. In this prayer only one third is
petition;
the rest is
adoration, worship,
and
praise.
What kind of person has his prayer heard by the
Lord? Prov. 15:29.
We need not be righteous
before
we pray. We come to God
just as we are. The prayer of the publican was, "God be
merciful to me a sinner." That man's prayer was heard. He
went home justified. He had been made righteous through the
gift of God's grace. Having received pardon for his sins, he
was now in God's sight righteous. The other man went back
as he came—condemned.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does prayer have first place in my life?
"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It
is the secret of spiritual power. No
other means of grace can be substi-
tuted, and the health of the soul be
preserved. Prayer brings the heart into
immediate contact with the Wellspring
of life, and strengthens the sinew and
muscle of the religious experience....
"It is only at the altar of God that
we can kindle our tapers with divine
fire."—"Gospel Workers," pages 254,
255.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Desire of Ages," page 668; "The Great Controversy,"
page 210.
54
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
February 7
Part 2
"He
that cometh to God must believe that He is, and
THE NATURE that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
OF PRAYER
Heb. 11:6
unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their
"It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that
requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this
—to be linked with the Infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has
the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words
that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. . . .
"True faith and true prayer—how strong they are! They
are as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon
the power of
Infinite Love."—Gospel Workers,
pages 258, 259.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can we be sure the Lord will hear us? Ps. 34:15.
What is God's promise to those who call upon Him?
Ps. 145:18, 19.
What assurance do we have that God will hear us?
1 John 5:14, 15; 3:22.
While real prayer is individual communion with God, yet
when a congregation gathers together for worship and one is
designated to lead in the public prayer,
he
must realize that
his voice is really the voice of the whole group; he expresses
their
praise,
their
needs,
their
desires. Instead of using the
personal pronoun,
"I
pray Thee," it should be "we pray Thee,"
or "hear Thou
our
prayer," not "my prayer." The prayer must
become congregational. The expression of praise to God, the
confession of sins and enmities, the petition for the assuaging
of griefs that corrode the soul, all of these should be expressed
in the plural, not the singular form.
Am I learning really to intercede for others as Daniel
did?
Am I •as concerned about the straying and lost as I
should be?
"It
is
our privilege to pray with con-
fidence, the Spirit inditing our petitions.
With simplicity we should state our
needs to the Lord, and claim His prom-
ise with such faith that those in the
congregation will know that we have
learned to prevail with God in prayer.
They will be encouraged to believe
that the Lord's presence is •in the meet-
ing, and will open their hearts to re-
ceive His blessing."—"Gospel Work-
ers," page 177.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," page 126; "Early Writings," page
115
;
"The Great Controversy," pages 74,436.
55
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
Part 3
CONGREGATIONAL
ATTITUDE IN
PRAYER
Ps. 95:6, 7
❑
Tuesday
February
8
"0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel
before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and we
are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand."
Prayer is God's method for man's communion with Him,
but we should come to Him in the way He directs. The psalm-
ist said, "Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."
What was Paul's and Daniel's attitude in prayer?
Eph. 3:14; Dan. 6:10.
When the people were assembled before Ezra, what
was his posture in prayer? Ezra 9:4-7.
"Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege
to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our peti-
tions to Him. Jesus, our example, 'kneeled down, and prayed.'
Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, 'kneeled down,
and prayed.'...
"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite
greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of
the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour
and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as
reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling
that inspires it will be deepened. 'Holy and reverend is His
name,' the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that
name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we,
who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our
lips!"—Gospel
Workers,
page1178.
What was the Lord's command to Moses at the burn-
ing bush? Ex. 3:5.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do we realize as we should the importance of kneel-
ing when we pray?
"And when you assemble to worship
God, be sure and bow your knees be-
fore Him. Let this act testify that the
whole soul, body, and spirit are in
subjection to the Spirit of Truth. . . .
"We are living in perilous times.
Seventh-day Adventists are professedly
the commandment-keeping people of
God; but they are losing their devo-
tional spirit. This spirit of reverence for
God teaches men how to approach
their Maker—with sacredness and awe
through faith, not in themselves, but
in a Mediator."—"Selected Messages,"
Bk. 2, pp. 314, 315.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," page 437; "Testimonies," Vol.
5, p. 216.
56
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
February
9
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will
I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye
shall ask anything in My name, I will do it."
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He
will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My
name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be
full."
When Jesus gave the model prayer, He began with the
words, "Our Father which art in heaven." It is
God the Father
who promises to heed and hear the petition of His children.
It is
God the Son
who by His sacrificial death provides access
to Deity, and it is
God the Holy Spirit
who indites true prayer.
For "we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit
Himself intercedes for us." Rom. 8:26, RSV.
How did Jesus say we should come to the Father?
John 14:6.
What was the prophet Hosea's appeal to his people?
Hosea 14:2.
The wording of our public prayers is important. To address
the God of the universe in the language of the street or the
ballpark or the shop is not only inappropriate; it is sacrilegious.
It has been well said, "The way a man prays in public shows
people the sort of Person he worships, and the way he regards
that Person." The tendency to address the High and Holy God
in the same way as we would address one another is something
to be deplored. We must remember that all the worshipers,
including the one who is offering the prayer, are helpless sin-
ners, and the only reason that we are enabled to speak in the
holy presence of God is His free and unmerited grace. It be-
hooves us, then, that our language be marked by dignity, hum-
ility, and reverence.
Do my prayers reveal reverence both in language
and in my posture?
Part 4
THE LANGUAGE
OF PRAYER
John 14:13, 14;
16:23, 24
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
"Some think it a mark of humility to
pray to God in a common manner, as
if talking with a human being. . . .
"High-flown language is inappropri-
ate in prayer, whether the petition be
offered in the pulpit, in the family cir-
cle, or in secret. Especially should the
one offering public prayer use simple
language, that others may understand
what is said and unite with the peti-
tion.
"It is the heartfelt prayer of faith
that is heard in heaven and answered
on earth."—"Gospel Workers," pages
176, 177.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 111; "The Miriistry of Heal-
ing," page 226.
57
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
❑
Thursday
February 10
Part 5
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
THE CONTENT OF prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
THE PUBLIC PRAYER all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that
IN WORSHIP we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved,
1 Tim. 2:1-4 and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
In the service of worship there are usually a number of
prayers before the closing prayer. Let us now •think particu-
larly of the general or main prayer. No feature in the service
is more important than this, for it concerns every person
present.
C. H. Spurgeon, the outstanding pastor-evangelist of his
generation, declares, "Prayer is one of the most weighty, use-
ful, and honorable parts of the service, and . . . it ought to
be even more considered than the sermon. . . . Let the Infinite
Jehovah be served with our best; let prayer addressed to the
Divine Majesty be carefully weighed, and presented with all
the powers of an awakened heart and a spiritual understand-
ing."—Lectures to My Students,
pages 93, 94.
Against what kind of praying has our. Saviour warned
us? Matt. 6:5, 6.
THINK IT THROUGH
The prayer of the hypocrite, which is only a pretense, does
not count with God. Such expressions as "the closet," "the
inner chamber," and the "closed door" are deeply significant.
The one who truly senses what congregational prayer really
is will have disciplined himself to close his mind to all other
thoughts and attractions while he speaks to God on behalf of
the worshipers.
Do I use a lot of repetitions when I pray? Is it pos-
sible to take the Lord's name in vain by repeating it too
often?
"Every promise in the Word of God
furnishes us with subject matter for
prayer, presenting the pledged word
of Jehovah as our assurance. What-
ever spiritual blessing we need, it is
our privilege to claim through Jesus.
We may tell the Lord, with the sim-
plicity of a child, exactly what we
need.
We may state to Him our tern-
poral matters, asking Him for bread
and raiment as well as for the bread
of life and the robe of Christ's righ-
teousness. Your heavenly Father knows
that you have need of all these things,
and you are invited to ask Him con-
cerning them."—"Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," page 133.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Christian Service," page 144; "Testimonies," Vol. 7,
p. 14.
58
Part 6
PRAYING IN
THE SPIRIT
Eph. 6:18
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Friday
February
11
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in
the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints."
The expression "praying in the Spirit" is arresting. Through
prayer we contact the Creator. Prayer is the mightiest force
in the world, and this the enemy knows. This is why "Satan
trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." But
only when prayer is Spirit-imbued is it effective.
Of what are we assured in our relationship to God?
Gal. 4:6, 7.
When the Spirit of God takes possession of the soul, He
becomes in truth the Spirit of intercession and "is at once the
Guide of prayer and the Guarantor of its success." Both the
desire and the ability to pray are made possible through the
Spirit of God. Merely to say prayers is not enough. Our minds
and hearts must be Spirit-possessed. Note the apostle's clear
statement: "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the
mind of the Spirit." Rom. 8:27.
There are two divine Intercessors. Christ Jesus intercedes
for us before the throne in heaven, and the Holy Spirit inter-
cedes at the throne of our hearts. We could put it this way
—the One who prepares our case is the Holy Spirit—the
"Chamber Advocate"; while the One who presents our case
is Christ Jesus our High Priest—"The Court Advocate."
Am I learning to pray in the Spirit?
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
"As we ought.
Literally, 'as it is nec-
essary.'
Because of the dimness of our
limited human vision, we do not know
whether the blessing we request will
be best for us. Only God knows the
end from the beginning. Therefore, in
our prayers we should always express
our complete submission to His will for
us. Jesus set the example in this when
He prayed, 'Nevertheless not as I will,
but as Thou wilt' (Matt. 26:39; cf. John
12:27, 28). . . .
"It is the work of the Holy Spirit to
move us to pray, to teach us what to
say, and even to speak through us....
"God knows the desires the Holy
Spirit inspires in our hearts. He does
not need to have these deep emotions
expressed in words. He does not need
the eloquence of language to induce
Him to hear. He understands the anx-
ious longings of the heart and is ready
to aid and to bless."—"SDA Bible Com-
mentary," on Rom. 8:26, 27.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Counsels to Parents and Teachers," page 479; "Testimo-
nies," Vol. 2, p. 321.
59
The Place of Prayer in Worship
LESSON 7
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Name the constituent parts of true prayer as seen in the Lord's Prayer.
2.
True or False: Confession, faith in God and His promises, petition, and
praise are all involved in true prayer
3.
Wherever it is possible, what position should the worshiper assume in
prayer)
4.
Would a devout Christian presume to address God in the language of
the street, or would he choose words that are dignified and respectful)
5.
Multiple choice: Should the main prayer in public worship be
(a)
long,
(b)
short,
(c)
in flowery or highbrow language,
(d)
concerned with per-
sonal matters,
(e)
dignified, (f) audible to all worshipers,
(g)
moderate in
length)
6.
How are our heartfelt prayers indited and made effective?
1ppls 31/1 'Aq pa.udsu/ 10
(g) :2 '; 'a (g) ://///oads
pue pagiu2n3 0,) :2unaatni (g) :atuj, (g) :as!uul 'dp/sioat 'Vol/elope 'uoRpad (/) :sJamsuy
60
LESSON 8
February 13 to 19
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE
8
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense,
and caused them to understand the reading." Neh. 8:8.
Reading and Praying in Public
The word translated "distinctly" in the
above text probably means both
clearly
and conveying the meaning. Speaking
clearly is a blessing because all can hear,
and conveying or interpreting meaning in
exposition is equally a blessing to all. "Gave
the sense" may mean translation from
Hebrew to Aramaic, but it again was for
the purpose of making all to understand
the Scriptures.
Making Public Worship More Attractive
If we could have (1) clearly enunciated,
shortil
pprayers, (2) 'beauty of thought
and meaningful expression in both prayer
and reading, (3) choice music that glorified
God, (4) dignity, reverence, and meetings
that were not unduly long, (5) cheerful,
liberal, and widespread participation in
orderly collection of tithes and offerings,
what an improvement we might find in at-
tendance and interest in many more of our
churches!
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Public Reading of Scripture
Luke 4:16-19
2.
The Offering, an Act of Worship
Mark 12:41
3.
Promises to the Faithful
Mal. 3:10, 12
4.
The Opening Invocation or
Prayer of Adoration
Isa. 6:1, 3
5.
The Call to Worship
Ps. 100:1, 2, 4, 5
6.
Closing the Service of Worship
Jude 24, 25
61
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
February 13
Part 1
"As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on
PUBLIC READING the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there
OF SCRIPTURE was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias.
And when He had opened the book, He found the place
where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to
the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:16-19 to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
How did the Nazareth congregation react to Jesus'
readings? Luke 4:20.
Reading a portion of Scripture in public is an art, and like
any other art it requires real preparation. While the Bible
is
the Word of God, it must be read
as
the Word of God.
"By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intel-
ligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct
and impressive manner. By doing this we may greatly increase
our efficiency as workers for Christ."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 335, 336.
"The science of reading correctly and with the proper em-
phasis, is of highest value. No matter how much knowledge
you may have acquired in other lines, if you have neglected
to cultivate your voice and manner of speech so that you can
speak and read distinctly and intelligently, all your learning
will be of but little profit....
"A proper presentation of the Lord's truth is worthy of
our highest
efforts."—Evangelism,
page 666.
"To ensure correct delivery in reading and speaking, see that
the abdominal muscles have full play in breathing and that the
respiratory organs are unrestricted. . .. Careful attention should
be given to securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modula-
ted tones, and a not-too-rapid
delivery."—Education,
page 199.
On the occasion of the reading of Scripture by Ezra
and his companions, what three important things are
noted? Neh. 8:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I hear the Scripture read during worship, do
I sense that it is God who is speaking?
"If your students, besides studying
plished. . . . Many have not learned
God's Word, learn no more than how to give the right emphasis to the words
to use correctly the English language they read and speak."—"Counsels to
in reading, writing, and speaking, a Teachers," pages 207, 208.
great work will have been accom-
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Welfare Ministry," page
170.
62
❑
Monday
February 14
"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld
how the people cast money into the treasury."
The spirit in which the people were making their gifts was
important to Jesus. The Lord does not need our money, for
all the silver and the gold are His, and the cattle upon a
thousand hills. But we need the blessing of the partnership.
Who gives us the ability to get wealth? Deut. 8:18.
God does not give us wealth to squander on ourselves. "Our
money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify
ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor
and glory of God. . . . All we possess is the Lord's, and we
are accountable to Him for the use we make of
it."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 351.
What should be our attitude in giving to the cause of
Christ? 2 Cor. 9:7.
If we give willingly and joyfully, what is the Lord's
promise? Verse 6.
THINK IT THROUGH
Commenting on the widow's gift at the treasury, we read,
"Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not
by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the
interest in His work that had prompted the deed."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 615.
"Christ called the attention of the disciples to this woman,
who had given 'all her living.' Mark 12:44. He esteemed her
gift of more value than the large offerings of those whose
alms did not call for self-denial."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 342.
When I give my tithes and offerings, do they represent
the giving of myself?
"It is God who blesses men with returning Him a portion in tithes and
property, and He does this that they offerings—in thank offerings, in free-
may be able to give toward the ad-
will offerings, in trespass offerings.
vancement of His cause. He sends the Should means flow into the treasury in
sunshine and the rain. He causes vege-
accordance with this divinely appointed
tation to flourish. He gives health and
plan,—a tenth of all the increase, and
the ability to acquire means. All our
liberal offerings,—there would be an
blessings come from His bountiful abundance for the advancement of the
hand. In turn, He would have men Lord's work."—"The Acts of the Apos-
and women show their gratitude by tles," page 75.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 150.
63
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
Part 2
THE OFFERING, AN
ACT OF WORSHIP
Mark 12:41
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
February 15
Part 3
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there
PROMISES TO may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith,
THE FAITHFUL saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows
of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it."
"And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
Mal. 3:10, 12 a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."
"The bringing of an offering has always formed part of
religious devotions. . . . A gift is an expression; it is a kind
of language. . . . Presumably, the person who gives expresses
through his gift the willingness on his part that his life be
used on behalf of the person or cause for which he gives.. . .
"Among the Hebrews of the Old Dispensation the offering
to God was an expression of attitude toward God. The sincere
and intelligent worshiper, approaching the altar, said in deeds
that spoke louder than words, 'My life, 0 Lord, does not be-
long to myself ; it belongs to Thee, my Maker. All that I possess
I have received from Thy gracious hand. Thou hast made me
a steward of it. I can give Thee nothing but myself. Here I
rededicate myself to Thee, and this my humble gift is the token
of my unconditional self-surrender.' This principle must forever
abide in our giving."—Gerrit Verkuyl,
Devotional Leadership,
pages 115, 116.
What promise does the Lord make to the liberal
giver? Luke 6:38.
How does the Lord regard one who holds back tithes
and offerings? Mal. 3:8. What results? Verse 9.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I receiving the blessing of God in my life, or am
I being deprived because of my unfaithfulness?
"Men are tempted to use their means
"He whose heart is aglow with the
in self-indulgence, in the gratification
love of Christ will regard it as not only
of appetite, in personal adornment, or
a duty, but a pleasure, to aid in the
in the embellishment of their homes.
advancement of the highest, holiest
For these objects many church members work committed to man—the work of
do not hesitate to spend freely and
presenting to the world the riches of
even extravagantly. But when asked goodness, mercy, and truth. . . .
to give to the Lord's treasury, to carry
"The spirit of liberality is the spirit
forward His work in the earth, they
of heaven. This spirit finds its highest
demur.... What marvel that the Chris-
manifestation in Christ's sacrifice on
tian life of such ones is but a dwarfed, the cross."—"The Acts of the Apostles,"
sickly existence!
pages 338, 339.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 272, 281.
64
Part 4
THE OPENING
INVOCATION
OR PRAYER
OF ADORATION
Isa. 6:1, 3
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
February 16
"I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and
lifted up, and His train filled the temple."
"And one cried unto another and said, Holy, holy,
holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His
glory."
The spirit of worship in the heart means that worshipers
will be expecting a blessing. An attractive house of worship,
with suitable music, immerses them in an attitude that uplifts
the soul. All should feel that God is present. The spirit of
Ps. 46:10 should pervade the house of worship:
"Be
still, and
know that I am God."
Possibly the Sabbath School has already been conducted in
the church building. If so, then special thought must be given
to the change from the informal study of God's Word and the
promotion of worthy activities, to quiet, worshipful reflection.
To bring all, old and young, into such a spirit of worship is
not easy.
Experience has proved the wisdom of making the announce-
ments and all necessary offering and campaign..-promotion
before
the actual worship begins. All the King's business justly
requires our attention, but the service of worship is to exalt
the Lord our Maker. From the first call to worship to the final
benediction everything must be on the high plateau of com-
munion with God.
An example of an appropriate short prayer of adoration can
be found in these words taken from Ps. 145:3, 17, 19: "Great
is the Lord, and greatly to •be praised; and His greatness is
unsearchable." "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and
holy in all His works." "He will fulfill the desire of them
that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them."
Many other such calls will be found in the Psalms; here are
a few: Ps. 46:1, 10, 11; 95:1-3; 96:1, 7-9; 99:1-3, 9; 100:1, 2,
4, 5. Other passages of Scripture are equally appropriate, such
as Luke 1:68, 77, 78: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for
He bath visited and redeemed His people." "To give knowl-
edge of salvation unto His people iby the remission of their
sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Day-
spring from on high hath visited us."
When the invocation is offered at the beginning of
worship, am I truly prepared in heart to commune with
my Maker?
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
Concerning
this invocation, J. R.
Schlater says, "Its delivery should never
be hurried; each phrase should be
quietly emphasized; so that all the
worshipers may be touched with a
sense of the magnitude of their re-
quest, as they appeal to God to cleanse
the thoughts of their hearts that they
may worthily magnify His holy name."
—"The Public Worship of God," page
33.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimon•ies," Vol. 1, p. 143.
65
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
February 17
Part 5
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
THE CALL TO Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence
WORSHIP with singing."
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His
courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His
name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and
Ps. 100:1, 2, 4, 5 His truth endureth to all generations."
The call to worship should be very real, for many that come
to a meeting are not •prepared to enter into the experience of
worship. The apostle Peter says, "Gird up the loins of your
mind." It is very easy for our minds to wander. On the way
to the church the conversation may not have been always in
a devotional setting. Something must grip our hearts if we
would worship God "in spirit and in truth." An appropriate
call will be given in the words of Scripture, such as Psalm 99:
"The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between
the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in
Zion; and He is high above all the people. Let them praise
Thy great and terrible name; for it is holy." "Exalt ye the
Lord our God, and worship at His footstool." Verses 1-3, 5.
If a different scripture is chosen from week to week, it will
prevent the call to worship from becoming just a form. Some
New Testament passages are also excellent, such as Heb. 4:14-
16 or Luke 1:68, 77, 78. When such a call to worship is fol-
lowed by a doxology, it will do much to unify the spirit of
worship.
What are we admonished to do? Ps. 100:4, 5.
If such a call is given in a tone of joy and gratitude, all
will want to respond in an expression of praise.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I emptied my mind of all worldly thoughts when
the call to worship is given?
"Our meetings should be made in-
tensely interesting. They should be per-
vaded with the very atmosphere of
heaven. Let there be no long, dry
speeches and formal prayers merely
for the sake of occupying the time. All
should be ready to act their part with
promptness, and when their duty is
done, the meeting should be closed.
Thus the interest will be kept up to
the last. This is offering to God accept-
able worship. His service should be
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Psalms 66; 95; 135.
66
made interesting and attractive and
not to be allowed to degenerate into
a dry form. We must live for Christ
minute by minute, hour by hour, and
day by day; then Christ will dwell in
us, and when we meet together, His
love will be in our hearts, welling up
like a spring in the desert, refreshing
all, and making those who are ready
to perish, eager to drink of the waters
of life."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 609.
Other Aspects of the Worship Service
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
February 18
Part 6
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling,
CLOSING THE and to present you faultless before the presence of His
SERVICE OF glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our
WORSHIP Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
Jude 24, 25 both now and ever. Amen."
These words conclude the brief epistle of Jude, and they
set forth some of the most wonderful truths concerning salva-
tion. As a benediction, this scripture is unsurpassed.
The benediction should come as the climax to all that has
gone before. From the beginning of the organ prelude through
all of
its features the worship service should be
leading up to
this point.
How did the Lord instruct Aaron and his sons through
Moses to bless the children of Israel? What were these
priests to say? Num. 6:24-26.
While the benediction seems to belong with the prayers of
the church, it is not actually a prayer. This is not always
understood by those who conduct the Sabbath worship service.
Sometimes the meeting closes with a prayer, even a commen-
tary on the preacher's message. That of course is not a bene-
diction in this sense. The people have already joined in the
singing and the prayers, and through the ministry of the
Word have been led to look to God for His manifold blessings.
Then it is fitting if the service closes with a benediction.
There are a number of wonderful benedictions to be found
in the Bible. These should be studied and memorized. One of
the most simple yet most beautiful of the many benedictions
we find in God's Word is 2 Corinthians 13:14. We can do no
better than to choose such a scripture, preferably from mem-
ory, to close the meeting.
What example of a fitting benediction is given in the
book of Hebrews? Heb. 13:20, 21.
THINK IT THROUGH
As I leave the worship service, is it with a sense of
having met God?
"Paul wrote to these •brethren [He-
brews 13] as 'saints in Christ Jesus;'
but he was not writing to those who
were perfect in character. He wrote to
them as men and women who were
striving against temptation and who
were in danger of falling. He pointed
them to 'the God of peace, that brought
again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that Great Shepherd of the sheep.' He
assured them that 'through the blood
of the everlasting covenant' He will
'make you perfect in every good work
to do His will, working in you that
which is well pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ.'"—"The Ministry
of Healing," page 167.
67
89
Answers: (1) Jesus did it and held the attention of all, Luke 4:20. It should be done intelligently,
with clear, distinct enunciation and correct emphasis. The reader should practice or prepare care-
fully; (2) c; (3) True; (4) It should be a brief invocation of God's presence and produce reverence
in all that follows; (5) b; (6) a.
•
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(o)
‘Jakeid &tot puu E
(q) 'kmlmo
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laArid 5uoi Jatpour
(o)
Too dItisionn. of
IIE
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(q)
(v) :aq pinotis d!tisiona of iina aq j„ :aototp apdpInTAT .s
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.
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7
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poo 2upioddns
jo skemi paiutodde Xiau!mp atp aii s&iliajjo pur saqiu, :asird Jo an'" .E
JaAI2 aqi jo iuids aqi
(o)
‘uotivivasaJd snotirlualso atp
(q)
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alp (it) :s! 2upamo ur inoqr utga auElzodult atu, :ao!otp aid!liniAT •Z
-duns XioH atp jo Su!prai ollqnd atp inoqu sn tprai uossai s!tp saop irtim • !
2I3MOd
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aop.tas
dpissohl ayi fo sioadsy Jaw°
LESSON 9
February 20 to
26
THE SERMON IN THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP
9
"Then Philip opened his mouth . . . and preached unto him Jesus." "And he
answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:35, 37.
The Wonders of Redemption
"The wonders of redemption are dwelt
upon altogether too lightly. We need these
matters presented more fully and contin-
uously in our discourses and in our papers."
—Counsels to Writers and Editors,
page 80.
Ellen G. White lists many vital topics
for sermons (see
Evangelism,
page 187, for
some essential subjects), and she adds
that, along with all other means, "God's
appointed means of saving souls is through
`the foolishness of preaching.'
"—Testimo-
nies,
Vol. 5, p. 300.
Deportment in Worship
There is a twofold aspect to this subject.
The preacher is to preach vital material,
delivered with dignity and in the power
of the Spirit. The worshiper is to remem-
ber he is in God's house listening to the
words of eternal life. Whoever is preach-
ing, we must cultivate a warm and recep-
tive heart, avoiding a critical or a wander-
ing mind, and all our actions should be
decorous and worshipful.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
All True Preaching Centers in
Christ
Mark 16:15, 16
2.
What God Expectslof a
Preacher
2 Cor. 5:11; Gal. 1:10, NEB
3.
Decorum of Worship Leaders
1 Tim. 4:12
4.
The Lay Preacher and the
Worship Service
Luke 10:1, 2, 9
5.
The Purpose of the Sermon
Acts 2:37
6.
Delivering the Message
1 Cor. 2:1, 2, 4
69
The Sermon in the
Service of Worship
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
February 20
Part 1
"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
ALL TRUE preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and
PREACHING is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall
CENTERS IN CHRIST be damned."
Mark 16:15, 16
The Christian church was commissioned to proclaim a very
definite message. Christianity spread to the whole world under
the power of Spirit-filled preaching. A true sermon is not a
lecture or an oration; it is not a political or informative speech.
Rather it is a setting forth of the living Christ and His saving
gospel. It must be delivered in the •power of the Holy Spirit.
To what did Paul attribute his power in the winning of
souls? 1 Cor. 1:18.
What wonderful example did he give to the church
in this respect? 2 Cor. 4:5.
"The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great
truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be
rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word
of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the
light that streams from the cross of
Calvary."—Evangelism,
page 190.
The sermon is not the only part, perhaps not even the most
important part, of the worship service. Other parts such as
the reading of Scripture and the prayers are also important.
When Jesus read the Scriptures, we notice, "the eyes of all
were fastened upon Him." Having heard His voice in the
reading, they were ready for God's message.
Every feature of worship that leads up to the sermon is a
part of the preparation of the soil of the heart to receive the
precious seed of God's Word.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do the other features of the worship service—the
prayers, the Scripture reading, the singing of the hymns
—prepare my heart for the seed of the word in the
sermon?
"It
is
the efficiency of th,e Holy Spirit
that makes the ministry of the word
effective. When Christ speaks through
the minister, the Holy Spirit prepares
the hearts of the listeners to receive
the word. The Holy Spirit is not a ser-
vant, but a controlling power. He
causes the truth to shine into minds,
and speaks through every discourse
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Gospel Workers," pages 156-160.
70
where the minister surrenders himself
to the divine working. It is the Spirit
that surrounds the soul with a holy
atmosphere, and speaks to the impeni-
tent through words of warning, point-
ing them to Him who takes away the
sin
of the world."—"Gospel Workers,"
page 155.
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
February 21
"With this fear of the Lord before our eyes we address
our appeal to men."
"Does my language now sound as if I were canvassing
for men's support? Whose support do I want but God's
alone? Do you think I am currying favor with men? If
I still sought men's favor, I should be no servant of
Christ."
Part 2
WHAT GOD
EXPECTS OF
A PREACHER
2 Cor. 5:11, NEB;
Gal. 1:10, NEB
What was the urge behind Paul's preaching? 2 Cor.
5:11.
To interest or entertain people is not sufficient. The preacher
must
persuade
men. Sometimes arguments will convince men
of certain ideas, but convincing speech is not as great as per-
suasive speech. Convincing speech appeals to the mind; per-
suasive speech appeals to the heart. And only as men's hearts
are reached are their wills affected.
"It should be the burden of every messenger to set forth the
fullness of Christ. . . . Let the preciousness, mercy, and glory
of Jesus Christ be dwelt upon until Christ is formed within,
the hope of
glory."—Evangelism,
page 186.
"There should not a sermon be given unless a portion of
that discourse is to especially make plain the way that sinners
may come to Christ and be saved. They should point them to
Christ, as did John and with touching simplicity, their hearts
aglow with the love of Christ, say, 'Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 188.
What did Paul say was his message? 2 Cor. 4:5.
What was his declaration to the Athenians on Mars'
Hill? Acts 17:31.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the Word of God a hammer breaking up wrong
ideas in my life?
"The word is the preacher's light,
and as the golden oil flows from the
heavenly olive tree into the bowl, it
makes the lamp of life flash with a
clearness and power that all will dis-
cern. Those who have the privilege of
sitting under such a ministry, if their
hearts are susceptible to the Holy
Spirit's influence, will feel an inner
life. The fire of God's love will be
kindled within them."—"Testimonies to
Ministers," pages 339, 340.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 34.
71
The worshipers are vitally affected by the attitude of those
who lead the service. Very specific instructions were given to
Israel's priests concerning their dress and deportment.
What words were worn by the high priest on his miter
as he ministered? Ex. 28:36-38.
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
February 22
Part 3
"Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
DECORUM OF conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
WORSHIP LEADERS
1 Tim. 4:12
While we do not now have such specific instructions, yet the
principle established in ancient times is just as real today.
"Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's
robes, for his dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's fol-
lowers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be represen-
tatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be
characterized by neatness, modesty, and
purity."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 96.
How did the apostle Paul express his concern to Timo-
thy? 1 Tim. 3:14, 15.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Decorum is necessary in the desk. A minister of the gospel
should not be regardless of his attitude. If he is the represen-
tative of Christ, his deportment, his attitude, his gestures,
should be of such a character as will not strike the beholder
with disgust. Ministers should possess refinement. They should
discard all uncouth manners, attitudes, and gestures, and
should encourage in themselves humble dignity of bearing.
They should be clothed in a manner befitting the dignity of
their position. Their speech should be in every respect solemn
and well-chosen."—/bid., Vol. 1, pp. 648, 649.
Do we in our church show by our decorum that we
are in God's house?
"The God of heaven, whose arm
moves the world, who gives us life and
sustains us in health, is honored or dis-
honored by the apparel of those who
officiate in His honor."—"Evangelism,"
page 674.
"The minister who has learned of
Christ will ever be conscious that he is
a messenger of God, commissioned by
Him to do a work the influence of
which is to endure throughout eternity.
It should not be any part of his object
to call attention to himself, his learn-
ing, or his ability. His whole aim should
be to bring sinners to repentance, point-
ing them, by both precept and exam-
ple, to the Lamb of God that taketh
away the sin of the world. He should
speak as one conscious of possessing
power and authority from God. His dis-
courses should have an earnestness, a
fervor, a power of persuasion, that
will lead sinners to take refuge in
Christ."—"Gospel Workers," pages 172,
173.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 145-147.
72
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
Part 4
THE LAY
PREACHER AND
THE WORSHIP
SERVICE
P
Wednesday
February
23
"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy
also, and sent them two and two before His face into
every city and place, whither He Himself would come.
Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great,
but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of
the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His
harvest."
"And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto
them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
From its beginning the Christian church has been blessed
and forwarded by the ministry of laymen. The seventy whom
Jesus sent out were not ordained preachers, but they were
definitely a part of the ministerial workers used by the Lord.
Luke 10:1, 2, 9
1).
When the apostle Paul set forth the different types
of leaders God gave to the church, what did He say was
their work? Eph. 4:11, 12.
Various types of workers such as evangelists, pastors, teach-
ers, prophets, and apostles have been called of God. And these
are to combine their services for the perfecting of the saints.
The Berkeley Version reads: "To make the saints fit for the
task of ministering."
The work of ministry, even the preaching of the word, is
not always to be done by ordained ministers. One of the great-
est sermons recorded in the New Testament was preached by
Stephen, a deacon. Thus the pattern of lay preaching was set.
How did Peter say the gospel should be preached?
1 Peter 1:12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I doing my part by my life and my words to pro-
claim the gospel of Christ?
"The preaching of the word is of
no avail without the presence and aid
of the Holy Spirit; for this Spirit is
the only effectual teacher of divine
truth. Only when the truth is accom-
panied to the heart by the Spirit, will
it quicken the conscience or transform
the life. . . .
"Christ promised the gift of the Holy
Spirit to His church, and the promise
belongs as much to us as to the first
disciples. . . .
"The impartation otthe Spirit is the
impartation of
-
We
-
11fe of Ch
--
1
-
1i
-
t7TWse
only who are
ihUTfciiiiht
-
OrOod,
those
only who possess the inward working
of the Spirit, and in whose lives the
Christ-life is manifested, can stand as
true representatives of the Saviour."—
"Gospel Workers," pages 284, 285.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 498-508.
73
❑
Thursday
February 24
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Every service of worship should move toward a definite
goal, and the sermon, being a vital part of that worship service,
can and should, more than any other part, lead to that goal.
And it should begin at the point where the people are and carry
them forward.
The one who breaks the bread of life for the people must
have a singleness of purpose. Peter's message on the day of
Pentecost reached a focal point and the response was imme-
diate. Someone has said, "From too many worship services, the
people go away 'almost persuaded'--but
not quite."
The Pente-
cost sermon hook a passage from the prophet Joel, focused it
upon the immediate present, set Christ in the center, empha-
sized His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and His ascen-
sion, and climaxed with His priesthood in heaven. This was
indeed a Christ-centered sermon.
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
Part 5
THE PURPOSE OF
THE SERMON
Acts 2:37
1).
What did Peter say his hearers must do to receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit? Verse 38.
He expected the people to make a decision. Good preaching,
whether by an ordained minister or a layman, should always
lead to decision and dedication. Be a sermon ever so eloquent
or philosophical or psychological, it fails if it does not lead
people to salvation. A sermon is not just
saying
something; it
must
do
something.
In what way were the people convicted under the
preaching of Peter on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2:37.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my heart pricked as I listen to the preaching of
God's Word?
"We must have more than an intel-
lectual belief in the truth. Many of the
Jews were convinced that Jesus was
the Son of God, but they were too
proud and ambitious to surrender.
They decided to resist the truth, and
they maintained their opposition. They
did not receive into the heart the truth
as it is in Jesus. When truth is held as
truth only by the conscience, when the
heart is not stimulated and made re-
ceptive, only the mind is affected. But
when the truth is received as truth by
the heart, it has passed through the
conscience, and has captivated the soul
with its pure principles. It is placed in
the heart by the Holy Spirit, who re-
veals its beauty to the mind, that its
transforming power may be seen in
the character."—"Evangelism," page
291.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"Evangelism," pages 279-282.
74
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
Part 6
DELIVERING
THE MESSAGE
1 Cor. 2:1, 2, 4
❑
Friday
February 25
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with
excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you
the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any-
thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."
"And my speech and my preaching was not with en-
ticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of
the Spirit and of power."
Preaching is not easy, and woe be to anyone who tries to
make it so. Someone has said, "Preaching is the transmission
of a Person
through
a person
to
a company of persons." And
the Person transmitted is the eternal Word (Greek,
logos,
John
1:1) the 'Creator, who was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Could it be said of all our sermons, those we preach and those
we listen to, that they are filled with Christ the living Word?
"He [Paul] claimed no wisdom of his own, but acknowl-
edged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the
truth in a manner pleasing to God. United with Christ, the
greatest of all teachers, Paul had been enabled to communicate
lessons of divine wisdom, which met the necessities of all classes,
and which were to apply to all times, in all places, and under
all conditions."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 303.
How did Peter say he preached the gospel? 1 Peter
1:12.
The Holy Spirit comes not to glorify the preacher, but to
glorify Christ. John 16:14. That makes the sermon different
from a lecture, an oration, or a political speech. If it is pre-
pared in the atmosphere of prayer and deep Bible study, then
it should bear the evidence of spiritual illumination. The most
important part about a sermon is not "the man
behind
it" but
"the Man
within
it"—the Person preached rather than the
person preaching.
How did the apostle say the gospel came to the be-
lievers in Thessalonica? 1 Thess. 1:5.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I sense that the preacher is God's spokesman?
Do I listen as I would if Christ Himself were speaking?
"Great truths that have lain un- reveal truths that have faded from the
heeded and unseen since the Day of mind, and will also reveal truths that
Pentecost, are to shine from God's are entirely new."—Ellen G. White,
Word in their native purity. To those "Review and Herald," August 17, 1897.
who truly love God the Holy Spirit will
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 393-395.
75
The Sermon in the Service of Worship
LESSON 9
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Multiple choice: Real preaching:
(a)
centers in the gospel of Jesus Christ,
(b)
is an inspiring philosophical treatise,
(c)
conveys the latest scientific
discoveries of the day,
(d)
interprets the latest political news and signs of the
times
2.
True or False: A preacher's work is to persuade men to accept Jesus Christ
and to put Him above all else
3.
What six words are used by Paul to describe the exemplary life of Chris-
tian leaders)
4.
If we include laymen and ministers today, are the Lord's words still true
that "the laborers are
few"?
5.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is true?
(a)
The sermon should
be entertainment of some kind;
(b)
The sermon should be humorous;
(c)
The sermon should be a philosophical dissertation for the intellectuals;
(d)
The sermon should focus the attention of all on the life and work of the divine
Saviour
6.
Multiple choice: The most important part of a sermon is
(a)
the striking
illustrations used,
(b)
a precise line of logic,
(c)
a powerful emotional appeal
at the end,
(d)
allowing the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ
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76
LESSON 10
February 27 to March 4
THE EFFECTS OF TRUE WORSHIP 1
"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving-
kindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy
name." Ps. 138:2.
Various Kinds of Fellowship
Fellowship is mentioned in the Scrip-
tures in various contexts. For example,
Enoch and Noah "walked with God" (Gen.
5:22; 6:9); Moses could not go forward
without God's presence (Ex. 33:14). This
was fellowship with God.
Then there was the fellowshipwith
Christ. that is the dominant theme of the
New Testament. This is coupled with fel-
lowship with God. Luke 8:21; John 14:20.
Paul adds to this the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit. 2 Cor. 13:14; Rom. 8:9. All this is
coupled with the fellowship of
saints or
the righteous. Ps. 55:14; Matt. 23:8; John
13:34. This is called the communion, or
fellowship, through which the Holy Spirit
works for the church and the world.
Fellowship in an Awakened Church
"An Awakened Church.—When
we have
entire, wholehearted consecration to the
service of Christ, God will recognize the
fact by an outpouring of His Spirit with-
out measure; but this will not be while
the largest portion of the church are not
laborers together with
God."—Evangelism,
page 699.
When we have the true worship and fel-
lowship of an awakened church, then "mul-
titudes will . . . join the armies of the
Lord."—Ibid., p. 700.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Joy of Christian Fellowship
Acts 4:31, 32
2.
True Worship Develops
Fellowship
1 Cor. 12:25, 26
3.
Building the Brotherhood
1 Peter 3:8, 9
4.
Fitly Framed Together
Eph. 2:19-22
5.
True Worship Inspires
Evangelism
Isa. 6:8, 9
6.
The Evangelized Must Become
Evangelists
Luke 5:4
77
❑
Sunday
February 27
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken
where they were assembled together; and they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of
God with boldness. And the multitude of them that be-
lieved were of one heart and of one soul."
We are linked together by indissoluble ties which override
all national barriers and nominal differences. We are no longer
separate and self-contained but individual units in a new and
wonderful creation—the church of Jesus Christ. Fellowship is
inherent in the Christian message. We become part of each
other as cells in the body—the body of Christ; an organic unity,
not a mere collection of individuals.
Our worship services when properly understood become a
divinely ordained way of exhibiting our gratitude to God for
His mercy.
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
Part 1
THE JOY OF
CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP
Acts 4:31,32
1).
What was the result of Philip's preaching in Samaria?
Acts 8:8.
Under what figure does Paul speak of the church?
Eph. 2:19.
The dictionary definition of "household" is "a social unit
comprised of those dwelling under the same roof." The "house-
hold of God" is another name for the family of God referred
to in Eph. 3:15.
In what other way does the apostle Paul illustrate
the close union of the members? Eph. 4:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I sense that I am part of a spiritual world brother-
hood? Am I truly a part of God's international, inter-
racial family?
"We do not obtain a hundredth part make us glad. With such a hope as we
of the blessing we should obtain from
have, why are not our hearts all aglow
assembling together to worship God. with the love of God?"—"Testimonies,"
Our perceptive faculties need sharpen-
Vol. 6, p. 362.
ing. Fellowship with one another should
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," pages 316, 317.
78
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
Part 2
TRUE WORSHIP
DEVELOPS
FELLOWSHIP
1 Cor. 12:25, 26
❑
Monday
February
28
"That there should be no schism in the body; but that
the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer
with it; or one member be honored, all the members
rejoice with it."
When worship is conducted rightly, the effect upon the wor-
shipers is very real. No stranger will remain ungreeted, no
invalid unvisited, no unfortunate member unbefriended, no
needy person unassisted, no missing Sabbath School member
neglected or unassisted. When bereavement strikes a family,
all the members feel the stroke. When one member or one fam-
ily is honored, all the rest should rejoice. This admonition to
rejoice in another's success is often more difficult to carry out
than the counsel to sympathize with those who mourn.
Fellowship is one of God's choicest words. And unless the
church enters into such fellowship, we come far short of God's
purpose for us.
The effect of true worship will be seen in the home, in the
office, in the classroom, on the farm, in our business and social
relationships. The one who comes home from the worship
service and scolds the family or kicks the dog has not really
worshiped. The effects of true worship are seen in every act
of life.
A church that is rich in money, in ideas, in apparatus and
numbers, but poor in love, comes far short of Christ's stan-
dard. One of our old-time leaders once passed on a remark
that revealed much thought. He said, "If only our members
would live up to the religion in their hymnbooks, it would be
wonderful." Yes, our hymns express Christian love. And we
often sing these lustily, but to live out the theology and
Christian admonition in these hymns is not always easy. But
by God's grace we can.
What did Jesus say should be the measure of our love
for the church? John 15:12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I truly love my church? Can my friends feel the
love of God emanating from my life?
"Love is not simply an impulse, a
transitory emotion, dependent upon
circumstances; it is a living principle, a
permanent power. The soul is fed by
the streams of pure love that flow from
the heart of Christ, as a wellspring that
never fails. . . . Under the education
and discipline of the Holy Spirit, the
children of God love one another, truly,
sincerely, unaffectedly—'without par-
tiality, and without hypocrisy.' And this
because the heart is in love with Jesus.
Our affection for one another springs
from our common relation to God. We
are one family, we love one another as
He loved us."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol.
5, p. 1140.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 547-549.
79
❑
Tuesday
February
29
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion
one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but con-
trariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing."
"Brotherhood" is the apostle Peter's name for the church.
John also regarded the church as a band of brothers. He said:
"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light." And again,
"We know that we have passed from death unto life because
we love the brethren." "We ought to lay down our lives for
the brethren." The watchword in John's epistle is love; not
love in a sentimental sense; but love of the brethren—agape
love; love which springs from a divine source.
Part 3
BUILDING THE
BROTHERHOOD
1 Peter 3:8, 9
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
What was Peter's admonition, especially to the church?
1 Peter 2:17.
Paul, another of the master builders of the church, empha-
sizes the same great truth. Note his counsel to the Thessalonian
believers in 1 Thess. 4:9, 10.
This was a love that must "increase more and more." It was
not just a one-time experience. In fact the distinctive note of
the Christian life is love for our fellow Christians. A man's
Christianity is revealed not merely by loving men in general,
but by his attitude to_his_brethren in Christ. (The world will
not be convinced and converted bii'easoning or philosophy
or eloquence, but by the love of believers one for another.
True fellowship is not just a high ideal. It is a distinct com-
mand of our Lord. It is more than love for the community,
although that is implied; or love for humanity in general, and
that surely is our privilege; but in a specific sense it is love
for one's fellow Christians, which opens the door of the world's
heart to understand the message of salvation. The apostolic
church revealed this, and the pagan crowds stood amazed, say-
ing, "Behold how these Christians love one another!"
THINK IT THROUGH
Would I be willing to lay down my life for my church?
"Everyone should feel that he has
a part to act in making the Sabbath
meetings interesting. You are not to
come together simply as a matter of
form, but for the interchange of
thought, for the relation of your daily
experiences, for the expression of
thanksgiving, for the utterance of your
sincere desire for divine enlightenment,
that you may know God, and Jesus
Christ, whom He has sent. Communing
together in regard to Christ will
strengthen the soul for life's trials and
conflicts. Never think that you can be
Christians and yet withdraw yourselves
within yourselves."—"Testimonies," Vol.
6, p. 362.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 238; "The Ministry of
Healing," page 496.
80
Part 4
FITLY FRAMED
TOGETHER
Eph. 2:19-22
❑
Wednesday
March I
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for-
eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the
household of God; and are built upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being
the Chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly
framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the
Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habi-
tation of God through the Spirit."
When one turns from the world and as a born-again Chris-
tian enters the church, he becomes immediately a part of a
unique fellowship—the family of God. Eph. 3:14, 15.
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
How does the apostle Paul emphasize this? Eph.
2:12, 13.
How does Paul illustrate the failure of the Jews and
the subsequent establishment of the Christian church?
Rom. 11:17-22.
In what definite language does Peter describe the
church? 1 Peter 2:9.
It is the work of church leaders to plan areas of service for
all
of the members. The church is a place where persons
study
together,
work
together, and
worship
together. In doing this
they fulfill the purpose of God through them individually and
as a group.
What
did
Paul say the church becomes?
1
Cor. 1:9.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the Spirit of God welding me into the spiritual tem-
ple of Christ?
"We have to work with ... men who God where they will be hewed and
are really intelligent, just as we worked
squared, and all the rough edges re-
with them one by one in the infancy moved, and they be polished under the
of the Seventh-day Adventist work; divine hand until they will make pre-
separating from these precious souls cious stones in the temple of God and
their unsanctified ways and manners;
shall be living stones emitting light.
talking to them about Jesus, His great Thus they may grow up into a holy
love, His meekness, His lowliness, His temple for God."—"Evangelism," page
self-denial. These rough stones we 573.
bring if possible into the workshop of
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 597-600.
81
The Effects of True
Worship
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
March 2
Part 5
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom
TRUE WORSHIP shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here
INSPIRES am I; send me. And He said, Go."
EVANGELISM
Isa. 6:8, 9
heavenly choir singing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of
Having seen the Lord high and lifted up, having heard the
hosts," and having experienced forgiveness and cleansing, the
prophet then heard the call to •go and tell what he had seen
and heard and experienced. This "carry-over" of worship is
vital. Nothing is more disappointing than a congregation that
gives only lip service, whose hearts are not inspired to bring
the gospel to their fellowmen.
Looking out upon the great unsaved world, what
did Paul say? Rom. 10:14, 15.
When the Lord gave the word, what did He say about
those who published it? Ps. 68:11.
To proclaim or publish the good news requires more than
evangelistic specialists. It is the work of an enthusiastic, con-
secrated congregation. An evangelistic church must be inspired
literally to boil over with the good news of salvation.
To how many of earth's inhabitants must the good
news of salvation go? Rev. 14:6.
"Christ's work in •behalf of man is not finished. It continues
today. . . . His ambassadors are to preach the gospel and to
reveal His pitying love for lost and perishing souls. . . . The
evangelization of the world is the work God has given to those
who go forth in His name.... •God calls for thousands to work
for Him, not by preaching to those who know the truth for
this time, but by warning those who have never heard the
last message of
mercy."—Welfare Ministry,
page 57.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I inspired to go and share my faith? If not, why
not?
"To everyone who becomes a par-
taker of His grace the Lord appoints a
work for others. Individually we are to
stand in our lot and place, saying,
'Here am I; send me.' Isaiah 6:8. Upon
the minister of the Word, the mission-
ary nurse, the Christian physician, the
individual Christian, whether he be
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 207-210.
82
merchant or farmer, professional man
or mechanic—the responsibility rests
upon all. It is our work to reveal to men
the gospel of their salvation. Every
enterprise in which we engage should
be a means to this end."—"The Min-
istry of Healing," page 148.
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
March 3
Part 6
"Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon,
THE EVANGELIZED Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for
MUST BECOME a draught."
EVANGELISTS
Luke 5:4
down into the great sea of humanity. Then, having witnessed
A congregation that has truly worshiped becomes a net let
the ingathering of souls, the evangelistic church like Peter of
old is ready to fall down at the feet of her Lord under a con-
victing sense of individual need.
What was the Lord's promise to Peter? Verse 10.
Catching men is the real work of the entire church, not of
a few specialists. Now let us change the figure from a net to
a fire. Both of these symbols are Biblical. Jesus said, "I am
come to send fire on the earth." Luke 12:49. On the Day of
Pentecost a small group of believers were set on fire, and be-
fore the day was out the whole city felt the effects. When the
church is set on fire, the world will feel the warmth of it. But
there can be no fire in the church until the fuel is brought
together. It was united when the disciples were of one accord,
of one soul, of one mind. It was then and not till then that
they were ready to bear their witness to the risen Lord. For
ten days they had been searching their hearts, catching a new
vision of the Lord high and lifted up. The spirit of true wor-
ship had gripped their hearts. That experience must and will
be repeated before the return of our Lord. The church of Jesus
Christ exists for one purpose, that of kindling the fire of God's
love in the hearts of those in the community.
Having caught a new vision of his risen Lord, how did
John conclude his account of the revelation of Jesus
Christ? Rev. 22:17.
THINK IT THROUGH
Through the ministry of the church, the Holy Spirit says
to the community, "Come," and the bride of the Lamb is also
heard to say, "Come." But the Patmos prophet goes even far-
ther when he says, "Let him that heareth say, Come."
Is the work of winning souls to Christ a joy or a bur-
den?
"All who commune with God will work as God's husbandmen, and they
find abundance of work to do for Him. will become more and more vitalized
Those who go forth in the spirit of the as they give themselves to the service
Master, seeking to reach souls with the of God. It is a joyous work to open the
truth, will not find the work of drawing
Scriptures to others."—"Testimonies,"
souls to Christ a dull, uninteresting
Vol. 9, p. 118.
drudgery. They are charged with a
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 349-358.
83
The Effects of True Worship
LESSON 10
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Multiple choice: Could "of one heart and one soul" mean
(a)
absolute
uniformity in every realm of thought,
(b)
unity in Christian love and fellow-
ship,
(c)
unity in the fundamentals of Christian belief)
2.
Multiple choice: A worship service reaches all, through
(a)
a personal
greeting,
(b)
remembrance and a personal contact with all absent members
as far as possible,
(c)
a more consistent subsequent life
3.
Multiple choice: The Christian brotherhood came about through
(a)
authoritarian leadership,
(b)
a common love for God and truth brought to
them by the Holy Spirit
4.
Multiple choice: Do you think that "fitly framed together" means that
all the stones, or saints, were to be
(a)
identical in every respect,
(b)
differ-
ent but each filling exactly a designated place'?
5.
Multiple choice: Does Christian fellowship mean
(a)
a closed society that
excludes the uninitiated, or (b) those united by a compulsive urge to go out
and seek the unsaved'?
6.
Multiple choice: Soul winning is expected of
(a)
those with special edu-
cation,
(b)
those with evangelistic training,
(c)
those who have no special-
ized ability but who love God and man
.ct
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84
LESSON 11
March 5 to 11
LEARNING TO WORSHIP 111
"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that
is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15.
Exhortations to Worship
Worship is enjoined upon man. Gen.
35:1; Heb. 10:25. It is to be offered to
God only. Ex. 20:3; Rev. 22:9. Only the
worship of one who looks to Christ for
righteousness is acceptable to God. Gen.
4:2-5. True worship comes only from the
heart that comes to Him for cleansing from
iniquity. Ps. 66:18.
The Value of Corporate Worship
"The Lord desires . . . that those who
come to worship Him shall carry away
with them precious thoughts of His care
and love, that they may be cheered in all
the employments of daily life, that they
may have grace to deal honestly and faith-
fully in all things.
"We must gather about the cross. Christ
and Him crucified should be the theme of
contemplation, of conversation, and of our
most joyful emotion. We should keep in
our thoughts every blessing we receive
from God, and when we realize His great
love we should be willing to trust every-
thing to the hand that was nailed to the
cross for
us."—Steps to Christ,
pages 103,
104.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Meaning and Purpose of
Worship
Ps. 50:14, 15
2.
Christ, the Revelation of the
Father
2 Cor. 4:6, NEB
3.
Learning the Ways of Worship
Ps. 27:4, 11
4.
Making Worship Vital
Acts 4:10
5.
Therapeutic Value of Worship
Matt. 11:28, 29
6.
How Can We Improve Our
Worship?
Isa. 1:11-13
85
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
Part 1
THE MEANING
AND PURPOSE
OF WORSHIP
Ps. 50:14, 15
❑
Sunday
March 5
"Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows
unto the Most High: and call upon Me in the day of
trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."
If we are to pay our "vows unto the Most High," we must
learn all we can about Him. The attributes of God as revealed
in the Old Testament are
majesty, holiness, justice, love,
and
mercy.
But in the New Testament we have a fuller revelation
—that of a
loving Father.
That was our Lord's central mes-
sage to the Jewish people. While other great religions pay
homage to "the Great Spirit" or "the Supreme Power," the
Christian recognizes a filial fellowship with God. He is not
only our Creator; He is also our Redeemer, and He is "our
Father."
The Hebrew word most frequently used for "worship" is
shachah,
which means to bow down. When Abraham's servant
recognized the guidance of God in leading him to Rebecca, he
"bowed down his head, and worshiped the Lord." Gen. 24:26.
ti>
What was our Lord's reply to the tempter? Luke 4:8.
Worship belongs to God alone, said Jesus. In the New Tes-
tament the word most frequently used for worship is
proskun,
and it also means to •pay homage by bowing down as when
the mother of James and John came to Jesus "worshiping
Him, and desiring a certain thing of Him." Matt. 20:20. "She
bowed low and begged a favor." NEB. The RSV reads, "Kneel-
ing before Him she asked Him for something." The English
word comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word "weorthscipe,"
which meant worthship. Sometimes dignitaries of state such as
the mayor are addressed as "Your Worship." Recognizing the
majesty and holiness of our God, our natural attitude in wor-
ship should be one of humility.
To whom did the apostle Paul pray? What was the
burden of his prayer? 2 Cor. 13:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I have a true sense of the majesty and holiness
of God?
"True reverence for God is inspired
by a sense of His infinite greatness and
a realization of His presence. With this
sense of the Unseen, every heart should
be deeply impressed. The hour and
place of prayer are sacred, because
God is there; and as reverence is mani-
fested in attitude and demeanor, the
feeling that inspires it will be deep-
ened. 'Holy and reverend is His name,'
the psalmist declares. Angels, when
they speak that name, veil their faces.
With what reverence, then, should we,
who are fallen and sinful, take it upon
our lips)"—"Gospel Workers," page
178.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Desire of Ages," page
189.
86
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
Part 2
CHRIST, THE
REVELATION OF
THE FATHER
2 Cor. 4:6, NEB
❑
Monday
March 6
"For the same God who said, 'Out of darkness let
light shine,' has caused His light to shine within us, to
give the light of revelation—the revelation of the glory of
God in the face of Jesus Christ."
When Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father,
and we shall be satisfied" (John 14:8, RSV), how did
Jesus reply? Verse 9.
All we need to know about the Father is revealed to us in
Jesus Christ. We often say of a son, "He is just like his father."
The New Testament picture of the Son thus shows the char-
acter of the Father.
What was the apostle Paul's great desire for the be-
lievers in Rome? Rom. 15:6.
Paul's expression "in the face of Jesus Christ" is full of
meaning. When John saw Jesus in vision, he said, "His coun-
tenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." When he saw
his Lord on the mount of transfiguration, "His face did shine
as the sun." But he had also seen his Master's face etched in
agony, both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross.
John saw Him, as "a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief," sweat great drops of blood, fulfilling the prophecy of
Isaiah that "His visage was so marred more than any man."
Isa. 52:14. In all this the Father was also suffering with His
Son.
How did the apostle Paul say our Lord learned? Heb.
5:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I truly sense that Christ, one of the Godhead, be-
came a social outcast for me?
"To save the transgressor of God's
law, Christ, the One equal with the
Father, came to live heaven before
men, that they might learn to know
what it is to have heaven in the heart."
—"Fundamentals of Christian Educa-
tion," page 179.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine
distinct person, yet One with the
Father."—Ellen G. White, "Review and
Herald," April 5, 1906.
"He assures us that there never was
a time when He was not in close fel-
lowship with the eternal God."—Ellen
G. White, "The Signs of the Times,"
August 29, 1900.
Son of God, existed from eternity, a
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 288, 289.
87
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
March 7
Part 3
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek
LEARNING THE after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the
WAYS OF WORSHIP days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and
to inquire in His temple."
"Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, and lead me in a plain
Ps. 27:4, 11
path, because of mine enemies."
David's prayer could well be the prayer of each of us. He
recognized his need to be taught. Sensing his perilous condi-
tion, he said, "Lead me on a level path because of my enemies."
RSV.
Where did the psalmist say the way of God could
be found? Ps. 77:13.
The sanctuary to Israel of old was the focal point of their
worship. Here God revealed the whole plan of salvation. While
we do not have the same form of earthly sanctuary today, yet
in the heavenly sanctuary the way of salvation is even more
completely revealed; for the High Priest who officiates there
is the One who sacrificed Himself for us. When Jesus died, He
occupied "the double position of offerer and of offering, of
priest and of victim."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 933.
What cleansing was given to Isaiah? Isa. 6:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
This redemptive element must be a vital part of our wor-
ship or it will mean little. Sinners must be helped to find sal-
vation and Christians a new purification and infilling. But
worship is also educative. It is sometimes said that "worship
is an art." One does not have to be a college graduate to
worship truly. On the other hand, certain types of education
may even imperil worship by undermining confidence in God's
Word.
Do I realize the need of being taught of God to wor-
ship? Am I willing to learn?
"Instead of choosing the work most
pleasing to us, and refusing to do some-
thing that our brethren think we should
do, we are to inquire: 'Lord, what wilt
Thou have me to do?' Instead of mark-
ing out the way that natural inclina-
tion prompts us to follow, we are to
pray: 'Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, and
lead me in a plain path.' Psalm 27:11."
—"Testimonies," Vol. 7, p. 252.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Education," pages 125-127.
88
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
March 8
Part 4
"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of
MAKING WORSHIP Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
VITAL whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
Acts 4:10 even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole."
This miracle was not something that had been planned by
Peter and John. These men were going into the temple at the
hour of prayer (Acts 3:1) when the crippled man was healed.
He then entered with them into the temple, and the people
saw him walking, leaping, and praising God. The miracle
could not be denied.
When the religious leaders saw what had happened, they
challenged Peter and John, and this gave the apostles another
opportunity to bear witness of their living Lord. This was not
a Sabbath morning meeting, but "the hour of prayer." What
better time could there be to study ways of making our wor-
ship more vital than the prayer meeting? While prayer is not
the whole of worship, it certainly is the heartbeat and lifeblood
of the church.
When the Jewish leaders began to examine Peter and
John, what did they discover? Acts
4:13.
THINK IT THROUGH
Nothing will make a worship service so real as the con-
sciousness that the one leading out has "been with Jesus." The
whole congregation will feel the impact of that experience. A
sense of God's presence in a leader's life can lead even little
children to respond with reverence and love. Children of pri-
mary age are naturally eager to be led into a deeper experience
of worship. And nothing that primary workers do is of more
significance than to teach these young minds the meaning of
fruitful worship.
Are all the different age groups of our church being
led into the experience of genuine worship week by
week?
"Religion is not to be confined to
and loving God. It will give us a will-
external forms and ceremonies. The ing obedience to all His requirements.
religion that comes from God is the
This is true worship. It is the fruit of
only religion that will lead to God. In
the working of the Holy Spirit. By the
order to serve
Him
aright, we must be Spirit every sincere prayer is indited,
born of the divine Spirit. This will
and such prayer is acceptable to God."
purify the heart and renew the mind, —"The Desire of Ages," page 189.
giving us a new capacity for knowing
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 191-195.
89
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
March 9
Part 5
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-
THERAPEUTIC laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you,
VALUE OF and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and
WORSHIP ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Maft. 11:28, 29
Ours is a restless generation. All over the world men and
women with hungry hearts, thirsting minds, and broken spirits
stand hopelessly with searching eyes and listening ears, longing
for soul rest that seems to elude them. In an age when God
is anathema and worship is regarded as a superstitious prac-
tice, heaven's message is going to all the world: "Fear God,
and give glory to Him . . . : and worship Him." Rev. 14:7.
How does Isaiah express God's lament? What does
God say about the wicked? Isa. 48:18; 57:20, 21.
Professor Jung, of Zurich, in his book,
Modern Man in
Search of a Soul,
page 264, says: "During the past thirty years,
people from all the civilized countries of the earth have con-
sulted me. . . . Among my patients in the second half of life
—that is to say, over thirty-five—there has not been one whose
problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious
outlook on life. . . . And none of them has really been healed
who did not regain his religious outlook."
What was the counsel given to Job in the midst of his
trial? Job. 22:21.
The real purpose of worship is to deepen one's knowledge
of God. "In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real
development have their source. ... The mind of man is brought
into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the
Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and
soul is beyond
estimate."—Education,
page 14.
What was our Lord's reply to Satan when tempted to
satisfy His material needs? Luke 4:4.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the peace of God filling my life? Am I really giving
glory to God by living a life of contentment and joy?
"The relation that exists between the
mind and the body is very intimate.
When one is affected, the other sympa-
thizes. The condition of the mind affects
the health to a far greater degree than
many realize. Many of the diseases
from which men suffer are the result
of mental depression. Grief, anxiety,
discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all
tend to break down the life forces and
to invite decay and death."—"The Min-
istry of Healing," page 241.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 295-297.
90
Learning to Worship
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
March
/0
Part 6
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices
HOW CAN WE unto Me? saith the Lord. . . . When ye come to appear
IMPROVE OUR before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread
WORSHIP? My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an
abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the
calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity,
Isa. 1:11-13 even the solemn meetings."
When Isaiah brought that message of rebuke to his people,
it was really a challenge to their whole routine of worship,
which was a meaningless insult to God. He called their wor-
ship "an abomination." It was nothing more than a hollow
ritual.
THINK IT THROUGH
What does the Lord say about those who do His work
carelessly or negligently? Jer. 48:10, margin. (Or see
RSV.)
What did the apostle Paul say about both his praying
and his singing? 1 Cor. 14:15.
Peter said, "Gird up the loins of your mind." 1 Peter 1:13.
It is possible to sing the hymns, kneel in prayer, and listen to
the reading of God's Holy Word while our minds are far away.
With David we should say, "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and
all that is within me, bless His holy name." Ps. 103:1.
"Well would it be for young and old to study and ponder
and often repeat those words of Holy Writ that show how
the place marked by God's special presence should be re-
garded."—Education,
page 243.
In fervency of worship am I an example to my family,
my friends, and my fellow members?
"Humility and reverence should char-
unapproachable, as they would address
acterize the deportment of all who an equal, or even an inferior. There
come into the presence of God. In the are those who conduct themselves in
name of Jesus we may come before His house as they would not presume
Him with confidence, but we must not to do in the audience chamber of an
approach Him with the boldness of earthly ruler. These should remember
presumption, as though He were on a that they are in His sight whom sera-
level with ourselves. There are those phim adore, before whom angels veil
who address the great and all-power-
their faces."—"Patriarchs and Proph-
ful and holy God, who dwelleth in light ets," page 252.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages, " pages 590-592.
91
Z6
Answers: (1) majesty, holiness, justice, love, mercy; (2) c; (3) all five; (4) The religion that
comes from God; (5) all three; (6) True.
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LESSON 12
March 12 to 18
THE LORD'S SUPPER-THE CROWNING
SERVICE OF WORSHIP
"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your
Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's
feet." John 13:13, 14.
Special Strength From the Communion
Service
"To the holy Communion this scripture
[John 6:54, 56, 571 in a special sense ap-
plies. As faith contemplates our Lord's
great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the
spiritual life of Christ. That soul will re-
ceive spiritual strength from every Com-
munion. The service forms a living con-
nection by which the believer is bound up
with Christ, and thus bound up with the
Father. In a special sense it forms a con-
nection between dependent human beings
and God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 661.
"Afterward You Will Understand"
In John 13:7 Jesus told Peter: "What
I am doing you do not know now, but
afterward you will understand." RSV. This
indicates that while the Last Supper was a
memorial of a past act, it was also prophetic
of future events not understood at that time.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
A Service of Remembrance
1 John 4:9-11
2.
A Sacramental Feast
John 6:53, 54
3.
A Service That Points
Backward and Forward
1 Cor. 11:26
4.
Our Victory in Christ
John 13:7,8
5.
The Crowning Service of
Worship
1 Cor. 11:27, 28
6.
Our Liberty in Christ
Gal. 5:1, 13
93
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Sunday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 12
Part 1
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
A SERVICE OF because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the
REMEMBRANCE world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love,
not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent
His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if
1 John 4:9-11 God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."
No other service in the church brings us into closer com-
munion with our Lord and with each other than does the
-
Lord'S
—
Supper. It is both a memorial and an anticipation.
Every service of worship must lead people into the con-
sciousness of the presence of God. Not only the order and
content of the service, but also the progression and dynamic
appeal of each part, should inspire the spirit of true worship.
"The ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper are two
monumental pillars, one within and one without the church.
Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the
true
God."—Evangelism,
page 273.
What was the purpose of the disciples' continuing to
break bread? 1 Cor. 11:24.
How did the two disciples from Emmaus recognize
their Lord? Luke 24:35.
THINK IT THROUGH
The Communion service is designed to preserve the inner
unity of fellowship so characteristic in the early church. Those
first Christians assembled together in private homes, in cata-
combs, in the caves of the earth. And at times they met before
the break of day. In that fellowship of faith they met around
the table of the Lord. Not only did they belong to
something,
they believed in
Someone.
Theirs was not only a fellowship
of faith, it was a fellowship without frontiers. The spirit of
unity kept them in the bonds of peace.
Do I really enjoy the Communion service? Is it a privi-
lege or a duty?
"On the fourteenth day of the month,
at even, the Passover was celebrated,
its solemn, impressive ceremonies com-
memorating the deliverance from bond-
age in Egypt, and pointing forward
to the sacrifice that should deliver from
the bondage of sin. When the Saviour
yielded up His life on Calvary, the sig-
nificance of the Passover ceased, and
the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was
instituted as a memorial of the same
event of which the Passover had been
a type."—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"
page 539.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 652, 653.
94
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Monday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 13
"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso_eateth My flesh,
and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise
him up at the last day."
The Latin word
sacramentum
was used in connection with
the oath taken by Roman soldiers. The early Christians adopted
it, relating it to the secret of God's revealed grace to His peo-
ple. Later, when the simplicity of the gospel was lost, this
word became attached to a number of elaborate services in
the church. But the two sacraments our Saviour particularly
emphasized were the Lord's Supper and baptism. In these
Christ pledged Himself to be our Redeemer. Through the new
covenant we become the children of God and joint heirs with
Christ. And every blessing that heaven can bestow in both
this life and the life to come is ours through the blood of
Christ.
"The administration of the Sacrament [the Lord's Supper]
was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for
each of them individually as a part of the great whole of
fallen humanity."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 659.
It is possible, however, for us to be partakers of the em-
blems of our Lord's broken body and yet receive no blessing
from it. "Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental
service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken
body and His spilled blood." Yet all the time he "cherished
his sullen, revengeful thoughts."—Ibid., p. 653.
What does God promise to make known to those who
fear Him? Ps. 25:14.
Part 2
A SACRAMENTAL
FEAST
John 6:53, 54
How enduring is the Lord's mercy to those who keep
His covenant? Ps. 103:17, 18.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I spending time each day in the contemplation
of God's love? Or do I just take it for granted?
"Christ has instituted this service that
of Christ could make His love efficacious
it may speak to our senses of the love
for us. . . .
of God that has been expressed in our
"Our senses need to be quickened to
behalf. There can be no union between
lay hold of the mystery of godliness.
our souls and God except through
It is the privilege of all to comprehend,
Christ. The union and love between far more than we do, the expiatory suf-
brother and brother must be cemented ferings of Christ."—"The Desire of
and rendered eternal by the love of Ages," page 660.
Jesus. And nothing less than the death
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," page 399.
95
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Tuesday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 14
Part 3
A SERVICE THAT
POINTS BACKWARD
AND FORWARD
1 Cor. 11:26
"As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye
do show the Lord's death till He come."
"The Communion service points to Christ's second coming.
It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the
disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His
death, they recounted how 'He took the cup, and gave thanks.' "
—The Desire of Ages,
page 659.
How did the apostle Peter, writing years later, refer
to Christ? 1 Peter 1:19.
What specific instructions were given to Israel con-
cerning the kind of animals that were to be sacrificed?
Lev. 22:18-21.
What was one of the causes of the Lord's condemna-
tion of His people in the days of the prophet Malachi?
Mal. 1:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
The record •of these spiritual lapses of God's ancient people
has been preserved for our learning that we might sense the
sacredness of the Communion service, which points backward
to His death and forward to His second coming. Looking
forward to that time, Jesus said: "Verily I say unto you, that
He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat,
and will come forth and serve them." Luke 12:37. Think of
Jesus serving us as He served the disciples of old! When
rightly understood, the Communion service speaks more clearly
to our understanding than does any other worship experience.
When I partake of the Communion, do I really com-
mune with my Lord?
"To the death of Christ we owe even
this earthly life. The bread we eat is
the purchase of His broken body. The
water we drink is bought by His spilled
blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats
his daily food, but he is nourished by
the body and the blood of Christ. The
cross of Calvary is stamped on every
loaf. It is reflected in every water
spring. All this Christ has taught in
appointing the emblems of His great
sacrifice. The light shining from that
Communion service in the upper cham-
ber makes sacred the provisions for
our daily life. The family board be-
comes as the table of the Lord, and
every meal a sacrament."—"The Desire
of Ages," page 660.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 273, 274.
96
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Wednesday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 15
Part 4
OUR VICTORY
IN CHRIST
John 13:7, 8
THINK IT THROUGH
"What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt
know hereafter. . . . If I wash thee not, thou hast no
part with Me."
The Communion service has been given to the church to
develop our faith in God and a deeper fellowship with one
another.
"Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully com-
prehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by
the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified be-
fore us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred
emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be
in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship
cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the
scenes of Calvary.
"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be ele-
vated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 661.
How did Paul say we should keep the feast? 1 Cor.
5:8.
The preparatory service, "the lesser baptism," was given us
by Christ to wash away "the leaven of malice and wicked-
ness." That is why fermented wine and bread made with
leaven are out of place as symbols of Christ's body. Fermenta-
tion is the symbol of sin and death, and there was nothing in
Christ deserving of death. He was a "Lamb without spot and
without blemish." Therefore, in celebrating this memorial of
our Lord's suffering, we should use unleavened bread and un-
fermented wine.
How did the apostle Paul describe the cup and the
bread? 1 Cor. 10:16.
Do I regard it as a privilege to serve a fellow member
of Christ's body? Do I sense that to serve another in the
place of Christ is not humiliation but exaltation?
"Christ gave His disciples the ordi-
nance of washing feet for them to prac-
tice. . . . He connected this ordinance
with the supper. He designed that this
should be a season of self-examination,
that His followers might have an op-
portunity to become acquainted with
the true feelings of their own hearts
toward God and one another. . . .
This ordinance was designed to result
in mutual confessions to one another,
and to increase feelings of forbear-
ance, forgiveness of each other's er-
rors, and true love, preparatory to
engaging in the solemn ordinance of
commemorating the sufferings and
death of Christ."—"Spiritual Gifts,"
Vol. 3, p. 226.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 275, 276.
97
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Thursday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 16
Part 5
OUR PERSONAL
PREPARATION FOR
PARTICIPATION
1 Cor. 11:27, 28
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink
this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine him-
self, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that
cup."
To be of greatest blessing, every detail of the Lord's Supper
arrangements must be given special attention.
"Everything connected with it [the service] should suggest
as perfect a preparation as •possible. Every ordinance of the
church should be uplifting. They should not be made common
or cheap, or placed on a level with common things."—Evan-
gelism, page 277.
"Our churches need to be educated to a higher order of
reverence and respect for the sacred service of
God."—Ibid.
What did Jesus say the disciples ought to do for one
another? John 13:13-16.
While this ordinance, like baptism by immersion, began to
fall into disuse with the growth of apostasy, yet it never com-
pletely disappeared. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, one of the
strong leaders of the fourth century, taught that Christ's com-
mand concerning this ordinance was literal. The Celtic churches
of ancient Britain as well as the churches in Gaul continued
to practice feet washing, which was frequently called "the
lesser baptism."
Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the outstanding leaders of
the medieval church, says, "Feet washing is a cleansing of those
daily offenses which seem inevitable for those who walk in
the dust of the
world."—International Standard Bible Ency-
clopedia,
Vol. 5, p. 3073. The Waldenses, the Wycliffites, and
the Hussites, as well as the Moravian brethren and the Ana-
baptists, the Mennonites and the Glasites, all carried out this
ordinance.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I meet at the Lord's table, have all feelings
of
envy, jealousy, and pride been washed from my life?
"This ceremony [ordinance of feet
washing] means much to us. God would
have us take in the whole scene, not
only the single act of outward cleans-
ing. This lesson does not merely refer
to the one act. It is to reveal the great
truth that Christ is an example of what
we through His grace are to be in our
intercourse with each other. It shows
that the entire life should be one of
humble, faithful ministry. . . . He in-
stituted a memorial service, in the cere-
mony of feet washing, and the sacra-
mental supper, to be observed by His
followers through all time and in every
country."—Ellen G. White Comments,
"SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p.
1139.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"Early Writings," pages 116-118.
98
The Lord's Supper—The
❑
Friday
Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
March 17
Part 6
OUR LIBERTY
IN CHRIST
Gal. 5:1, 13
THINK IT THROUGH
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free."
"Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh."
In carrying out our Lord's command in this "ordinance of
service," plans should be laid to make it a truly worshipful
experience. Just as our Lord came "not to be ministered unto,
but to minister," having left us an example that we should
follow His steps, so we should gladly serve one another, re-
membering that in so doing we are following "His steps."
1 Peter 2:21. To do service
for
a king is an honor. To serve
in the place of
a king is exaltation.
"The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only
distinction is found in devotion to the service of others."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 650.
Feet washing is not an "ordinance of humiliation" as some
have wrongly expressed it, but rather an "ordinance of service."
"This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should
never be termed humiliating, in the sense of being degrading
to humanity. It is to make tender our hearts toward one an-
other."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald,
May 31, 1898.
What did Jesus say would be the experience of those
who follow His example? John 13:17.
"His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledged them-
selves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this
ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought
into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They
covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 651.
Can I truly say that the Lord's Supper is the crowning
service of worship in my life and in my church?
of darkness are there, for they attend
all who refuse to be controlled by the
Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are
present. . . . There may come into the
company persons who are not in heart
servants of truth and holiness, but who
may wish to take part in the service.
They should not be forbidden. There
are witnesses present who were pres-
ent when Jesus washed the feet of the
disciples and of Judas. More than hu-
man eyes beheld the scene."—"The De-
sire of Ages," page 656.
"Christ's example forbids exclusive-
ness at the Lord's Supper. It is true that
open sin excludes the guilty. This the
Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Cor.
5:11.
But beyond this none are to pass judg-
ment. God has not left it with men to
say who shall present themselves on
these occasions. For who can read the
heart? . .
"When believers assemble to cele-
brate the ordinances, there are present
messengers unseen by human eyes.
There may be a Judas in the company,
and if so, messengers from the prince
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Evangelism," pages 277, 278.
99
The Lord's Supper—The Crowning Service of Worship
LESSON 12
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
The most intimate worship and fellowship Christ had with His disciples
was at the Last Supper.
(a)
Was this a solitary event, or is it commended to
Christians in the New Testament)
(b)
Is the Communion
service just formal worship, or is it so important that severe condemnation
is pronounced on those who engage in it unworthily?
2.
True or False: The Communion service keeps the true believer mindful
of the supreme truth that Jesus died for him as an individual, as for every
other individual
3.
To what event does the Communion service point forward)
4.
In what sense does the believer partaking worthily of the Lord's Supper,
preach a sermon)
5.
Under what circumstances would it be better for a member not to partake
of the Lord's Supper)
6.
Complete: The Lord's Supper service is to encourage
, but
should never be thought of as
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100
LESSON 13
March 19 to 25
WORSHIP IN ETERNITY
113
"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne
and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times
ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is
the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and
on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are
in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto
Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." Rev.
5:11-13.
The Final Call to Worship
1.
As the proclamation of the everlast-
ing gospel becomes God's last appeal to
men, it contains the words "worship Him."
Rev. 14:7. Have we given the right em-
phasis always to this word? Does it mean
too often just
fear
and
obey
without the
background of loving adoration?
2.
"In Revelation 14, men are called
upon to worship the Creator; and the
prophecy brings to view a class that, as
the result of the threefold message, are
keeping the commandments."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 437.
3.
The word "holy" is often associated
with worship. There are a holy sanctuary,
a holy altar, holy priests in holy garments
offering unblemished sacrifices, holy ves-
sels, holy oil, holy water, and holy oint-
ment. In Ex. 40:10 the marginal reading
for the most holy altar is "holiness of
holiness." Arising from all this is the ob-
jective of
a holy people,
for only such can
worship God "in spirit and in truth," now
and eternally.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
A Victorious People
Rev. 19:1, 5, 6
2.
The Songs of the Angels
Rev. 7:11, 12
3.
The Song of the Elders
Rev. 5:8, 9
4.
God's Search and Long Wait
Ended
Luke 15:20, 22, 24
5.
God's Self-revelation in Christ
and Creation
Isa. 40:26
6.
Worship in the Earth Made New
Rev. 21:5, 6
101
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
March 19
Part 1
"And after these things I heard a great voice of much
A VICTORIOUS people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory,
PEOPLE and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God."
"And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise
our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him,
both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice
of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters,
and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:
Rev. 19:1, 5, 6 for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
No other passage in all of Scripture is more sublime than
these verses in the Revelation. This is the climax of all wor-
ship offered by human beings to the Eternal God. All such
songs are based on the victorious redemption provided by
Christ Jesus. Compare Rev. 5:9. From the day of Adam's
disobedience down through all the tragic centuries of history,
man has been a wanderer from God.
What is noted among the first recorded questions in
the Bible? And what was the reply? Gen. 3:9, 10.
What has been God's constant invitation since the
days of Adam? Isa. 1:18.
What is the special reason for jubilation? Rev. 19:7.
"Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand
years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and
causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has
groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures
are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. 'The
whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break
forth into singing.' Isa. 14:7. And a shout •of praise and triumph
ascends from the whole loyal universe. 'The voice of a great
multitude,' as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of
mighty thunderings,' is heard, saying: 'Alleluia: for the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 673.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my life one of continual victory in Christ?
"Love has conquered. The lost is Him that sitteth upon the throne, and
found. Heaven rings with voices in unto the Lamb forever and ever.' Rev.
lofty strains proclaiming, 'Blessing, and
5:13."—"The Desire of Ages," page
honor, and glory, and power, be unto 835.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 646-648.
102
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
1:11 Monday
March 20
Part 2
"And all the angels stood round about the throne,
THE SONGS OF . . . saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and
THE ANGELS thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto
Rev. 7:11, 12 our God forever and ever. Amen."
The angels of God love to sing His praises, to declare His
power, and to prostrate themselves before Him in adoration.
And someday, if faithful, we too will join with the angelic
choir. If we would voice our praise then, we must begin now.
When the angels offer their worship, they use the word
"amen," which means "so let it be," or "we want it so." Can
we say "amen" to everything God permits to come into our
lives?
To say "amen" while being flogged for Christ's sake; to say
"amen" when being dispossessed of all that life holds dear; to
say "amen" when we lose our employment for Christ's sake;
to say "amen" when loved ones turn upon us in ridicule, even
influencing others to reject us—this is not easy. But as the
hymn writer says: "It is the way the Master went. Should
not His servants tread it still?"
How did the apostle Paul express his confidence in
the outworking of God's plan for those who love the
Lord? Rom. 8:28.
After having been stoned and having nearly lost
his life, how did Paul react? Acts 14:22.
What did he say to the Romans about tribulation?
Rom. 5:3.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I preparing to take part with the angels in the
anthems of heaven?
"All that has perplexed us in the
providences of God will in the world
to come be made plain. The things
hard to be understood will then find
explanation. The mysteries of grace
will unfold before us. Where our finite
minds discover only confusion and
broken promises, we shall see the most
perfect and beautiful harmony. We
shall know that infinite love ordered
the experiences that seemed most try-
ing. As we realize the tender care of
Him who makes all things work to-
gether for our good, we shall rejoice
with joy unspeakable and full of
glory."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 286.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 650-652.
103
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
March 21
Part 3
"And when He had taken the book, the four beasts
THE SONG OF and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb,
THE ELDERS having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of
odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a
new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book,
and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every
Rev. 5:8, 9 kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."
Nothing is more sublime than the worship offered by these
elders as they voice the praise of the redeemed.
Where are they situated? Rev. 4:4.
These that take their place around the throne are associated
with Christ in His work of ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
They are twenty-four in number, corresponding with the
twenty-four courses of priests in ancient Israel.
What is the theme of the twenty-four elders' song?
Rev. 5:9.
This chorus of redemption is followed by the angels' chorus,
which is a sevenfold doxology. Then the whole creation sings
the praises of the victorious Lamb.
Another description of this praise session is found in Rev.
7:9-12. Here the redeemed, "a great multitude, which no man
could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and
tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a
loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb." Verses 9, 10.
Who joined in this song? What did they say? Rev.
7:11, 12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can I join with the elders in their song of praise for
redemption?
"It
is the great victory
in suffering
and death which inspires the song, and
makes them sing, 'Thou art worthy';
and so they speak of that work of
Christ as a work truly done. . . . The
suffering Saviour has died, has broken
the bond of the oppressor, has claimed,
by right of purchase, mankind as His
own; and the price was His blood. It
is well to notice the harmony between
this passage and the statements of
other apostles: 'Ye are not your own';
'bought with a price.' "—Ellicott's "Com-
mentary," on Rev. 5:9.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," pages 250-252.
104
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
March 22
Part 4
"But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw
GOD'S SEARCH him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck,
AND LONG and kissed him."
WAITED ENDED
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the
best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand,
and shoes on his feet."
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he
Luke 15:20,22,24 was lost, and is found."
The Bible is primarily the record of the movements of God
in human history. It is clearly demonstrated that He is seeking
us. When one learns of God's attitude toward him, it leads to
a change in his attitude toward God.
How did the apostle John express this? 1 John 4:19.
Love demands expression. The psalmist said: "Let the re-
deemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from
the hand of the enemy." "0 give thanks unto the Lord, for
He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever." Ps. 107:2, 1.
We express our love to God in our worship. How different
the world appears when viewed through the eyes of those who
understand the moral nature of God! We then can take the
long view of history. No longer do we see the universe, or the
myriad universes, as a great impersonal system chained by the
laws of astronomy, biology, geology, and anthropology. Instead
we see creation as the handiwork of a personal God, who loves
us and has redeemed us by great sacrifice.
1+
What did Paul say about the creation? Rom. 8:22.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I stop to think why I have been privileged to be
a part of God's redeemed creation? Do I sense that in
eternity I can become one of those who "follow the
Lamb whithersoever He goeth"? Rev. 14:4.
"The beautiful parable of the lost the Jews, they better understood the
sheep Christ repeated. And He carried
lesson of the prodigal son, and could
its lesson still farther, as He told of the
enter into the joy of Christ's words, 'It
lost piece of silver and the prodigal was meet that we should make merry,
son. The force of these lessons the dis-
and be glad;' for this my son was
ciples could not then fully appreciate;
dead, and is alive again; he was lost,
but after the outpouring of the Holy and is found.' Luke 15:32, 24."—"The
Spirit, as they saw the ingathering of Desire of Ages," pages 495, 496.
the. Gentiles and the envious anger of
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 198-211.
105
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
March 23
Part 5
"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath
GOD'S SELF- created these things, that bringeth out their host by num-
REVELATION IN ber: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of
CHRIST AND His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth."
CREATION
Isa. 40:26
astronomy or theology, the science of the stars or the scieiice
The whole universe reveals the Creator. Whether we study
of salvation, we are led to worship Him who is "before all
things" and by whom "all things consist" for we realize that
"in Him we live, and move, and have our being."
There is much neglect of public worship today in some
circles, the reason being, in the words of Dr. John Kennedy:
"Men have in their minds antiquated conceptions of God.
. . . They have had in their childhood some rudimentary reli-
gious instruction. The God they were taught to believe in was
a child's God, and they have never advanced in religion beyond
the teachings of their childhood. . . .
"A man would think shame of himself if in other fields of
knowledge he did not advance beyond the conceptions of his
childhood. Yet some men . . . are still in the religious nursery
with infant pictures on its walls."—The
God Whom We Ignore,
pages 156, 157.
No generation before us in all history has had such scientific
evidence of God's power.
How does the apostle Paul say that men can under-
stand the invisible things of God? Rom. 1:20.
significant. There is abundant evidence to convince anyone,
The words "His eternal power and Godhead" are deeply
even the unbeliever, that God exists. Through the prophet
Isaiah God says, "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who
hath created these things." Isa. 40:26. These mighty constella-
tions did not come into existence by a mere inanimate force.
They were created by a personal God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is mine only a childish comprehension of God? Or
do I encourage thoughts of God's greatness, His majesty,
and His eternal love?
"God
is
the foundation of every-
thing. All true science is in harmony
with His works; all true education leads
to obedience to His government. Science
opens new wonders to our view; she
soars high, and explores new depths;
but she brings nothing from her re-
search that conflicts with divine revela-
tion. Ignorance may seek to support
false views of God by appeals to sci-
ence, but the book of nature and the
Written Word shed light upon each
other. We are thus led to adore the
Creator and to have an intelligent trust
in His Word."—"Patriarchs and Proph-
ets," pages 115, 116.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 111-115.
106
Worship in Eternity
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
March 24
Part 6
"And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make
WORSHIP IN THE all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these
EARTH MADE NEW words are true and faithful. . I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is
Rev. 21:5, 6
athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
In order to be partakers of all that God has in store
for His people, what must we be? Rev. 21:7.
How did Paul regard the sufferings of this present life
as compared with what awaits the overcomer? Rom. 8:18.
How does John describe the worship of those who are
victorious over the world? Rev. 15:2.
The people in this victorious group are not just standing in
mute adoration of the glories of God. They are singing.
What is the theme of their song? Rev. 15:3.
What a paean of praise will ascend to God when the re-
deemed of all the ages meet together to sing the song of Moses
and the Lamb! The angels of God cannot join in this song,
for they have never experienced the slavery of sin and the joy
of deliverance. All God's creatures worship Him, but the wor-
ship of redeemed men throughout eternal ages will be differ-
ent.
THINK IT THROUGH
As I have reseen God in the experience of study and
worship, have I been remade by the Holy Spirit?
"The more men learn of God, the
"The entire universe is clean. One
greater will be their admiration of His pulse of harmony and gladness beats
character. As Jesus opens before them through the vast creation. From Him
the riches of redemption and the amaz-
who created all, flow life and light and
ing achievements in the great contro-
gladness, throughout the realms of il-
versy with Satan, the hearts of the
limitable space. From the minutest atom
ransomed thrill with more fervent devo-
to the greatest world, all things, ani-
tion, and with more rapturous joy they mate and inanimate, in their unshod-
sweep the harps of gold; and ten thou-
owed beauty and perfect joy, declare
sand times ten thousand and thousands that God is love."—"The Great Contro-
of thousands of voices unite to swell
versy," page 678.
the mighty chorus of praise. . . .
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 675-677.
107
801
Answers: (1) praise; (2) ascription of praise and glory to God; (3) 24 elders; (4) the prodigal
son; (5) b; (6) False.
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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
South American Division
In behalf of more than a quarter of a million Sabbath School
members in the South American Division, I wish to express our
gratitude for the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow in the
second quarter of 1969. It represented more than $100,000. It pro-
vided funds for new dormitory space on the campus of our Theo-
logical Training College in Chile; dormitory provisions at the
Espirito Santo Academy in Brazil; and benefits for our Northeast
Brazil College.
Again this quarter, we plan to provide additional facilities:
1.
New dining room, Uruguay Academy.
2.
Completion of Loma Linda Sanitarium, Argentina.
3.
New girls' dormitory, Ecuador Academy.
In some of our dormitories there are five and six students in one
small room. Many times the need for space is so great that worthy
students are unable to find a place in our institutions. South Amer-
ica has 125,000 young people, only 25,000 of whom are in Adventist
schools.
This is the golden hour to channel every youthful talent into the
mold of Christian education. Your liberality will make it possible
to open the door for many of our boys and girls who have been
denied an opportunity of Christian education for lack of facilities.
R. A. Wilcox, President
South American Division
...--,
1
Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1972
f
Sabbath School members who have not received a
Lesson
Quarterly,
Adult Division, for the second quarter of 1972 i
will be helped by the following outline in studying the first
lesson. The title of the series is "God's Way of Setting Men 4
Right" (Studies From the Book of Romans). The title of the ,
first lesson is "God's Righteousness in Judging Sin." The !
memory verse is Romans 1:16.
r
The outline is as follows: (1) Messenger of the Gospel.
Romans 1:1, 2. (2) The Divine Purpose. Romans 1:5, 6. (3)
The Church in Rome. Romans 1:7-10. (4) Theme of the
Epistle. Romans 1:16. (5) Sinners Without Excuse. Romans
1:18. (6) Results of Apostasy. Romans 1:23-25.
Litho in U.S.A.
sizarerl
11311-5
110
rig
Brasilia
EAST
BRAZIL
UNION
(
CHILE
PACIFIC OCEAN
UNION
,
lllll
l
"
1
Sao Paulo
AUSTRAL
UNION
1111110F
Rio de Janeiro
Uruguay Academy
Dining Room
9
Montevideo
Buenos Aires'
Santiag
Loma Linda Sanitarium, Argentina
'UNIONS
Austral
Chile
East Brazil
Inca
North Brazil
South Brazil
--
TOTALS
POPULATION
CHURCHES
CHURCH
MEMBERS
SABBATH
SCHOOL
MEMBERS
25,351,448
144
22,746
21,078
9,300,306
93
17,007
13,428
47,468,000
198
48,797
52,142
26,366,215
215
68,759
60,933
11,863,478
50
19,647
18,816
40,786,000
315
87,737
87,213
161,135,447
1,015
264,693
253,610
00
Figures as of 3d quarter, 1970
Punta
Arenas
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Lima
Tiii
WO H@INI